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X.QPEZ A3STD WEXfcTTSS' EDITION 



No. XIV, 



A 

K1W WAV ^© MTT &il:2 «ra* 

A COMEDY, 

IN FIVE AC 1 « 



BY PHILIP MASSINGEit 



A PORTRAIT OF MRS. HILSON, 



CHARACTER OF MARGARET 



THE FLAYS CAREFULLY CORRECTED FROM THE PRO MPT BOOKS OF THE 
PHILADELPHIA. THEATRE, 

BY M. LOPEZ, PROMPTER. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

PUBLISHED BI F, C. WEMYSS, AST) THOMAS T. ASH: H. W. BOOL, 

BALTIMORE; ft. M. BOURNE, 359, BROADWAY, NEW YORK, SOLE 

AGENT FOR THE PROPRIETOR IN THAT CITY: AND TO BE 

HAD OF ALL THE PRINCIPAL BOOKSELLERS IN 

THE UNITED STATES. 



PRICE TO NO^SUBSCRIBEJiS. F1FTT CENTS. 



At the commencement of our undertaking-, we pledged ourselves 
to the public, to spare no expense to render the work worthy of 
their notice ; and in presenting" the fifth number to our friejwls and 
patrons, we trust they will allow we have redeemed our pledge. 
The engravings are executed by Longacre and Durand, from 
paintings by Neagle, taken expressly for this work, and which we 
feel a proud satisfaction in being able to pronounce equal, if not 
superior, to the portraits prefixed to Oxberry's English Dram;, 
the typographical department of the work, we have endeavoured 
to remedy those faults which were so much complained of, and 
hope to improve with every succeeding number. 

The delay which has taken place was the necessary consequence j 
of an undertaking so arduous and expensive. It has arisen solely I 
from the difficulty of procuring the plates from the hands of the ] 
engravers at the stated time ; and inconvenient as it has been, it 
will be productive of good, in enabling us to guard against disap- 
pointment in future. Those only who have been engaged in 
duties of publication, can form an idea of the difficulty we have 
encountered, and the disadvantages we have laboured under; 
having successfully combatted, and in a great measure surmounted 
these, the publication will proceed with despatch and regularity. 



TERMS. 

A Number will be published every four weeks, and oftener i; 
possible, embellished with a portrait every way equal to thost- 
already before the public, at thirty-seven and a half 'cents to sub- 
scribers, and fifty cents to non-subscribers. 

Each Number to be paid for on delivery. 

A few impressions of each plate will be printed on fine paper 
for the purpose of framing. 







Mwmo W!IaBQW 

A3 M 



Engraved by A.Ji.lmrand frora apain.1 
Lopez k'Wemyss- L'JiYav? 
by AJlPoole TML 
Ctppy Jtyfa secured accarcMn^ /:• /.an'. 



LOPEZ AND WEMYSS' EDITION. 



THE 

CONTAINING THE 

MOST POPULAR PLAYS, 

rfs they are performed at the Philadelphia Theatre ; 

CAREFULLY CORRECTED 
AND PUBLISHED FROM THE PROMPT BOOKS 
AND ACCOMPANIED WITH 

LIKENESSES OF DISTINGUISHED PERFORMERS 

IN CHARACTERS, 

ENGRAVED FROM PORTRAITS EXECUTED FOR THE WORK; 
BY EMINENT ARTISTS. 



BY M LOPEZ, PROMPTER, 

6* THE PHILADELPHIA AND BALTIMORE THEATRES. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

published bt f. c. wemyss, and thomas t. ash: h. w. bool, 

baltimohk: g. m. bourne, 359, broadway, new tork, sole 

agent for the proprietor in that city: and to be 

had of all the principal booksellers in 

the united states. 

1827 






Eastern District of Pennsylvania, to wit. 

BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the third day of April, in the Fiftieth year of 
the Independence of the United States of America, A. D. 1826, Mathias Lopez and 
Francis C. Wemyss, of the said District, have deposited in this office, the title of a 
Book, the right whereof they claim as proprietors, in the words following, to wit :— 

M Lopez and Wemyss' Edition. Acting American Theatre, containing the mostpopu- 
" tar plays, as they are performed at the Philadelphia Theatre; carefully corrected and 
** published from the Prompt Books; and accompanied tvith likenesses of distinguished 
'* Performers, in characters, erigraved from portraits executed for the 7vork 4 by -em?* 
'* nent artists- By M. Lopez, Prompter, of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Theatres.' 1 ' 

In Conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, " An Act 
for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts, ami 
Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such Copies, during the times therein men- 
tioned.'' And also to the Act, entitled, "An Act supplementary to An Act, entitled 
* An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Chart* 
and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such Copies during the times therein 
mentioned, and extending the Benefits thereof to the Arts of designing, engraving, 
and etching historical and other Prints.' " 

D. CALDWELL, 

Clerk of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 



LOFEZ ACTD WEMYSff EDITION., 



' — — 



amw wav m spa* m® wmm 

A COMEDY, 

IN FIVE ACTS. 



r 

BY PHILIP MASSINGER. 



A PORTRAIT OF MRS. HILSON, 



CHARACTER OF MARGARET. 



THE PLATS CAREFULLT CORRECTED FROM THE FROMFT BOOKS OF THE 
PHILADELPHIA THEATRE, 

BY M. LOPEZ, PROMPTER. 



PHILADELPHIA. 

PUBLISHED BI F. C. WEMYSS, AND THOMAS T. ASH : H. W. BOOL, 

BALTIMORE: O. M. BOURNE, 359, BROADWAY, NEW TORK, SOLE 

AGENT FOR THE PROPRIETOR IN THAT CITY.: AND TO BE 

HAD OF ALL THE PRINCIPAL BOOKSELLERS IN 

THE UNITED STATES. 



PRICE TO NON-SUBSCRIBERS^ F1FTT C£ S 



?tf 



0*10*' 






JESPER HARDING, PRINTER. 



STAGE DIRECTIONS 



By it. h is meant Right Hand. 

l. h Left Hand. 

s. e Second Entrance. 

v. e f Upper Entrance. 

m. d Middle Door. 

d. f Door in Flat. 

k. h. d Right Hand Door. 

e. h. d Left Hand Door. 



Time of representation, two hours and forty minutes. 



PERSONS REPRESENTED. 



Philadklphia, 1827. 

Lord Lovell, Mr. Wheat ly. 

Sir Giles Overreach, Mr. Booth. 

Wellborn, Mr. Wemyss. 

Allworth, Mr. Forrest. 

Willdo, Mr. Singleton. 

Justice Greedy, Mr. Jefferson. 

Marall, Mr. Cowell. 

Vintner, Mr. Parker. 

Taylor, Mr. Jefferson Jr, 

Tapwell,. Mr. Hathwell. 

i )rder, Mr. Porter. 

Furnace, Mr. Bignall. 

Amble, Mr. Murray. 

Watchall, '• Mr. Jones. 

Lady Allworth, Mrs. Anderson. 

Margaret, Mrs. Hilson. 

Abigail, Mrs. Meer . 

Tabitha, Miss Hathwell. 

Froth, • Mrs. Francis. 

Servants, Messrs. KletL &c. 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 



ACT I. 

Scene I. — •/% village. Wellborn discovered, in tat- 
tered apparel, knocking at the Alehouse door, 
l. h. s. e. Tapwell and Froth come from the 
house. Tapwell, c. Froth, l. h. 

Well. [r. h.] No credit? nor no liquor? 

Tap. Not a suck, sir; 
Nor the remainder of a single can, 
Left by a drunken porter. 

Froth. Not the dropping of the tap for your morn- 
ing's draught, sir: 
'Tis verity, I assure you. 

Well. Verity, you brache! [crosses to centre 

The devil turned precisian ? Rogue, what am I ? 

Tap. Troth, durst I trust you with a looking-glass, 
To let you see your trim shape, you would quit me, 
And take the name yourself. 

Well. How? dog! [raising his cudgel 

Tap. Advance your Plymouth cloak, 
There dwells, and within call, if it please your worship, 
A potent monarch, call'd the constable, 
That does command a citadel, call'd the stocks; 
Such as with great dexterity will hale 
Your threadbare, tatter' d 

Well. Rascal! slavei 

Froth. No rage, sir. 

Tap. At his own peril ! Do not put yourself 
In too much heat, there being no water near 
To quench your thirst; and other drink, I take it, 
You must no more remember; not in a dream, sir. 



8 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Well. Why, thou unthankful villain, dar'st thou 
talk thus ! 
Is not thy house, and all thou hast, my gift? 

Tap. I find it not in chalk; and Timothy Tapwell 
Does keep no other register. 

Well. Am not I he 
Whose riots fed and cloth 'd thee ? Wert thou not 
Born on my father's land, and proud to be 
A drudge in his house? 

Tap. What I was, sir, it skills not; 
What you are is apparent: but, since you 
Talk of father, in my hope it will torment you, 
I'll briefly tell your story. Your dead father, 
Old Sir John Wellborn, 
My quondam master, was a man of worship; 
Bore the whole sway of the shire, kept a great house, 
Reliev'd the poor, and so forth ; but he dying, 
And his estate coming to you, 
Late master Francis, but now forlorn Wellborn 

Well. Slave, stop ! or I shall lose myself. 

Froth. Very hardly; 
You cannst out of your way. 

Tap. You were then a lord of acres, the prime gal- 
lant, 
And I your under butler. 
O you'd a merry time oPt ; hawks and hounds, 
With choice of running horses: mistresses, 
And other such extravagances: which 
Your uncle, Sir Giles Overreach, observing, 
Resolving not to lose the opportunity, 
On statutes, mortgages, and binding bonds, 
Awhile supplied your folly, and, having got 
Your land, then left you. 

Well. Some curate hath penn'd this invective, mon- 
grel, 
And you have studied it. 

Tap. I've not done yet: 
Your land gone, and your credit not worth a token, 
You grew the common borrower ; no man 'scap'd you, 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 9 

Where poor Tim Tapwell, with a little stock, 
Some forty pounds or so, bought a small cottage ; 
Humbled myself to marriage with my Froth here; 

Well. Hear me, ungrateful hell-hound! Did not I 
Make purses for you? Then you lick'd my boots, 
And thought your holiday cloak too coarse to clean 'em. 
'Twas I, that, when I heard thee swear, if ever 
Thou couldst arrive at forty pounds, thou wouldst 
Live like an emperor, 'twas I that gave it 
In ready gold. Deny this, wretch ! 

Tap. 1 must, sir; 
For, from the tavern to the taphouse, all, 
On forfeiture of their licenses, stand bound 
Ne'er to remember who their best guests were, 
If they grew poor, like you. 

Well. They're well rewarded, 
That beggar themselves to make such rascals rich. 

Thou viper ! thankless viper ! 

But, since you're grown forgetful, I will help 
Your memory, and beat you into remembrance ; 
Not leave one bone unbroken. 

[beats him over to l. h. 

Tap. 0! 0! 0! 

Froth. Help, help ! 

Enter Allworth, r. h. 

Jillw. Hold, for my sake, hold ; [catches his arm 
Deny me, Frank? They are not worth your anger. 
Well, For once, thou hast redeem'd them from this 
sceptre. [shaking his cudgel 

But let 'em vanish ; 

Nay, if you grumble, I revoke my pardon. 

[ Wellborn and Mlworth talk apart 
Froth, This comes of your prating, husband. 
Tap. Patience, Froth; 
There's law to cure our bruises. 

[Exeunt Tapwell and Froth into the alehouse, 

l. h. 2nd e. 



10 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 



Well. Sent to your mother ? 

Jlllw. My lady, Frank, my patroness, my all ! 
She's such a mourner for my father's death, 
And, in her love to him, so favours me, 
I cannot pay too much observance to her: 
There are few such stepdames. 

Well. 'Tis a noble widow, 
And keeps her reputation pure and clear. 
But, pr'ythee, tell me, 
Has she no suitors? 

Jlllw. E'en the best of the shire, Frank, 
My lord excepted; such as sue and send, 
And send and sue again; but to no purpose. 
Their frequent visits have not gain'd her presence; 
Yet she's so far from sullenness and pride, 
That, I dare undertake, you shall meet from her 
A liberal entertainment. 

Well. I doubt it not. Now, Allworth, listen to me, 
And mark my counsel: I am bound to give it. 
Thy father was my friend; and that affection 
I bore to him, in right descends to thee : 
I will not have the least affront stick on thee, 
If I with any danger can prevent it. 

jlllw. I thank your noble care: but, pray you, in what 
Do I run the hazard ? 

Well. Art thou not in love ? 
Put it not off with wonder. 

Jlllw. In love ? 

Well. You think you walk in clouds, but are trans- 
parent. 
Pve heard all, and the choice that you have made; 
And, with my finger, can point out the north star 
By which the loadstone of your folly's guided; 
And, to confirm this true, what think you of 
Fair Margaret, the only child and heir 
Of cormorant Overreach ? Dost blush and start, 
To hear her only nam'd ? Blush at your want 
Of wit and reason. 

Jlllw. Howe'er you have discover'd my intents, 
You know my aims are lawful; and if ever 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS, 11 

The queen of flowers, the boast of spring, the rose, 
Sprang from an envious briar, I may infer 
There's such disparity in their conditions, 
Between the goddess of my soul, the daughter, 
And the base churl, her father. 

Well Grant this true, 
As I believe, yet canst thou ever hope 
To enjoy a quiet bed with her, whose father 
Ruin'd thy state? 

Allw. And yours too. 

Well. I confess it, All worth. 
Or canst thou think, if self-love blind thee not, 
That Sir Giles Overreach, who, to make her great 
In swelling titles, without touch of conscience, 
Will cut his neighbour's throat, and, I hope, his own 

too, 
Will e'er consent to make her thine ? Give o'er, 
And think of some course suitable to thy rank, 
And prosper in it. 

Jillw. You have well advis'd me. 
But, in the mean time, you, that are so studious 
Of my affairs, wholly neglect your own. 
Remember yourself, and in what plight you are. 

Well. No matter, no matter. [crosses to r. h, 

Jillw. Yes, 'tis much material: 
You know my fortune, and my means; yet something 
I can spare from myself, to help your wants. 

[offers him money. 

Well. How's this? 

Alhv. Nay, be not angry. 

Well. Money from thee? 
From a boy ? a stipendiary ? one that lives 
At the devotion of a stepmother, 
And the uncertain favour of a lord ? 
I'll eat my arms first. Howsoe'er blind Fortune 
Hath spent the utmost of her malice on me, 
Though I am rudely thrust out of an alehouse, 
And thus accoutred, — know not where to eat, 
Or drink, or sleep, but underneath this canopy, 



U A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Although I thank thee, I disdain thy offer. 

No — as I, in my madness, broke my state, 

Without th' assistance of another's brain, 
In my right wits, I'll piece it; at the worst, 
Die thus, and be forgotten. 

{Exit Jillworth, l. h. Wellborn, r. h. 

Scene II. — *fl Hall in Lady Allworth's House, 
a table, r. h. and four chairs, l. h. 

Enter Amble, Order, Furnace, and Watchall, l. h* 

Ord. [in the centre] Set all things right; or, as my 
name is Order, 
And by this staff of office, that commands you, 
This chain and double ruff, symbols of power, 
Whoever misses in his function, 
For one whole week makes forfeiture of his breakfast, 
And privilege in the wine-cellar. 

Wat. You are merry, 
Good master Steward. 

Fur. Let him; I'll be angry. 

Jimb. Why, fellow Furnace, 'tis not twelve o'clock 

y et ? 

Nor dinner taking up ; then, 'tis allow'd, 
Cooks, by their places, may be choleric. 

Fur. Y^ou think you've spoken wisely, goodman 
Amble, 
My lady's go-before. 

Ord. Nay, nay, no wrangling. 

Fur. Twit me with the authority of the kitchen ! 
At all hours, and at all places, I'll be angry ; 
And thus provok'd, when I am at my prayers 
I will be angry, [crosses to Furnace and shakes hands 

Amb. There was no hurt meant. 

Fur. I'm friends with thee; and yet, I will be angry. 

Wat. With whom ? 

Fur. No matter whom: yet, now I think on't, 
I'm angry with my lady. 

Jimb. Heaven forbid, man! 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 13 

Ord. What cause has she given thee ? 

[crosses to Furnace, 

Fur. Cause enough, master Steward, 
I wasentertain'd by her to please her palate; 
And, till she forswore eating, I perform'd it. 
Now, since our master, noble Allworth, died, 
Though I crack my brains to find out tempting sauces, 
When I am three parts roasted, 
And the fourth part parboiPd, to prepare her viands, 
She keeps her chamber, dines with a panada, 
Or water-gruel, my sweat never thought on. 

Ord. But your art is seen in the dining-room. 

Fur, By whom? 
By such as pretend love to her; but come 
To feed upon her. Yet, of all the harpies 
That do devour her, I am out of charity 
With none so much as the thin-gutted squire 
That's stolen into commission. 

Ord. Justice Greedy ? 

Fur. The same. Meat's cast away upon him; 
It never thrives. He holds this paradox; 
Who eats not well, can ne'er do justice well: 
His stomach's as insatiate as the grave. 

[a knocking without, l. h. 

Wat. One knocks. [Exit Watchall, l. h. 

Ord. Our late young master. 

Enter Watchall and Allworth, l. h. All- 
worth passes and salutes them alternately, and 
crosses to Furnace. 

Wat. Welcome, sir. 
Fur. You're welcome; 
If you've a stomach, a cold bake-meat's ready. 

[Allworth crosses to Order. 
Ord. His father's picture in little. 

[Allworth crosses to Amble. 
Amb. We are all your servants. 
Allw. At once my thanks to all. [crosses to r. h. 
This is yet some comfort. Is my lady stirring ? 

B 



14 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEB I> 

Ord. Her presence answers for us. 
Enter Lady Allworth, Abigail, and Tamtha, r. h. 

Lady. Sort those silks well. 

I'll take the air alone: 

[Exeunt Tabitha and Migail, l. h. 
And, as I gave directions, if this morning 
I'm visited by any, entertain 'em 
As heretofore: but say, in my excuse, 
I'm indispos'd. 

Ord. We shall, madam. 

Lady. Do, and leave me. [Exeunt Watchall, 

Furnace, Order, and Amble, l. h. 
Nay, stay you, Allworth. — Tell me, how is't with 
Y r our noble master? 

Allw. Ever like himself; 
No scruple lessen'd in the full weight of honour. 
He did command me, — pardon my presumption, — 
As his unworthy deputy, to kiss 
Your ladyship's fair hands. 

Lady. I'm honour'd in 
His favour to me. Does he hold his purpose 
For the low countries ? 

Allw, Constantly, t, J °d madam; 
But will, in person, first present his service. 

Lady. And how approve you of his course ? you're 
yet, 
Like virgin parchment, capable of any 
Inscription, vicious or honourable: 
I will not force your will, but leave you free 
To your own election. 

Allw. Any form you please 

I will put on : but, — might I make my choice, 

With humble emulation, I would follow 
The path my lord marks to me. 

Lady. 'Tis well answer'd: 
And I commend your spirit: 
Beware ill company; for, often, men 
Are like to those with whom thev do converse , 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

And from one man I warn you, and that is Wellborn: 

Not, 'cause he's poor, that rather claims your pity; 

But that he's in his manners so deprav'd, 

And hath in vicious courses lost himself. 

'Tis true, your father lov'd him, while he was 

Worthy the loving; but, if he had liv'd 

To've known him as he is, he had cast him off, 

As you must do. [noise without, stamping l. h. 

Somebody comes. This way: 

Follow me to my chamber: you shall have gold 

To furnish you like my son, and still supplied 

As I hear from you. 

Mlw. I am still bound to you. [Exeunt, r. h. 

Enter Order, Watchall, Sir Giles Overreach, Mar- 
all, [Marall crosses behind to Sir Giles, r. h.] 
Greedy, Furnace, and Amble, l. h. 

Gree. [l. h.] Not to be seen! 

Sir G. [on Greedy* s r. h.] Still cloister'd up ! Her 
reason, 
I hope, assures her, though she make herself 
Close prisoner ever for her husband's loss, 
'Twill not recover him. 

Ord. [on Sir G.'s r. h.] Sir, 'tis her will; 
Which we, that are her servants, ought to serve, 
And not dispute: howe'er, you're nobly welcome: 
And, if you please to stay, that you may think so. 
There came, not six days since, from Hull, a pipe 
Of rich Canary, which shall spend itself 
For my lady's honour. 

Gree. Is it of the right race ? 

[Sir G. and Mar. converse apart 

Ord. Yes, master Greedy. 

Amb. How his mouth runs o'er! 

Fur. [on Greedy' *s l. h.] I'll make it run and run. 
— Save your good worship! 

Gree. Honest master Cook, thy hand; again: how I 
love thee! 
Are the good dishes still in being ? speak, boy. 



16 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Fur. If you've a mind to feed, there is a chine 
Of beef well season'd. 

Gree. Good. 

Fur. A pheasant larded. 

Gree. That I might now give thanks for't ! 

Fur. Besides, there came last night, from the forest 
of Sherwood, 
The fattest stag I ever cook'd. 

Gree. A stag, man? 

Fur. A stag, sir; part of it prepar'd for dinner, 
And bak'd in puff-paste. 

Gree. Puff-paste too ! Sir Giles, 
A ponderous chine of beef! a pheasant larded! 
And red deer, too, Sir Giles, and bak'd in puff-paste ! 
All business set aside, let us give thanks here. 

Sir G. {advancing'] You know, we cannot. 

Mar. Your worships are to sit on a commission, 
And, if you fail to come, you lose the cause. 

Gree, Cause me no causes; I'll prove't, for such a 
dinner, 
We may put off a commission : you shall find it 
Henrici decimo quarto. 

Sir G. Fie, master Greedy ! 
Will you lose me a thousand pounds for a dinner ? 
No more, for shame ! We must forget the belly, 
When we think of profit. 

Gree. Well, you shall o'er-rule me. 
I could e'en cry now. Do you hear, master Cool: ? 
Send but a corner of that immortal pasty, 
And I, in thankfulness, will, by your boy, 
Send you — a brace of three-pences. 

Fur. Will you be so prodigal ? 

[Greedy and Furnace converse apart. 

Sir G. \to Ord.] Remember me to your lady. 

Enter Wellborn, l. h. 

Whom have we here ? 
Well. You know me. 
Sir G. I did once, but now I will not ; 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 17 

Thou art no blood of mine. [c?-osses to l. h.] Avaunt, 

thou beggar ! 
If ever thou presume to cross me more, 
I'll have thee cag'd and whipp'd. [Exit Stir G, l. h. 

Gree. I'll grant the warrant. 
Think of pye-corner, Furnace ! 
\ Exeunt Greedy and Marall, l. h. Marall eyeing 

Wellborn contemptuously. Wellborn takes a 

chair, and sits down in the centre of the stage. 

Wat. Will you out, sir ? 
I wonder how you durst creep in. 

Ord. This is rudeness, 
And saucy impudence. 

.Smb. Cannot you stay 
To be serv'd among your fellows, from the basket, 
Rut you must press into the hall ? 

Fur. Pr'ythee, vanish 
Into some outhouse, though it be the pigsty ; 
My scullion shall come to thee. 

Well. This is rare: 

Enter All worth, r. h. 

0, here's Tom Allworth. Tom ! 

[Allworth crosses to l. h. 
A llw. We mwst be strangers ; 
Nor would I have you seen here, for a million. 

[Exit Allworth, l. h. 
Well. Better and better: — He contemns me too! 

Enter Abigail and Tabitha, r. h. and crosses to l. h 

Mi. [seeing Wellborn'] Mercy preserve my sight! 
What thing is this? 

Tab. A wretched object, truly. 
Let's hence, for heaven's sake, or I shall swoon. 

*2bi. I begin to faint already. 

[Exeunt Abigail and Tabitha^ l. k. 

Fur. Will you know your way, sir ? 

Amb. Or shall we teach it you, 
By the head and shoulders ? 
b 2 



18 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Well. No; I will not stir : 
Do you mark ? I will not. [starts up] Let me see 

the wretch 
That dares attempt to force me. Why, you slaves, 
Created only to make legs, and cringe; 
To carry in a dish, and shift a trencher; 
That have not souls only to hope a blessing 
Beyond your master's leaving, — who advances? 
Who shows me the way ? [beats them 

All the Servants. Help, fellows, help!— Within 
there! 

Ord. Here comes my lady. 

Enter Lady Allworth, r. h. 

Lady. How now? What noise is this? 

Well. Madam, my designs 
Bear me to you. 

Lady. To me? 

Well. And, though I've met with 
But ragged entertainment from your grooms here, 
I hope from you to receive that noble usage, 
As may become the true friend of your husband, 
And then I shall forget these. 

Lady. I'm amaz'd, 
To see and hear this rudeness. Dar'st thou think, 
Though sworn, that it can ever find belief 
That I, who to the best men of this country 
Denied my presence since my husband's death, 
Can fall so low, as to exchange words with thee? 

Well. Scorn me not, good lady; 
But, as in form you are angelical, 
Imitate the heavenly natures, and vouchsafe 
At the least awhile to hear me. You will grant 
The blood that runs in this arm is as noble 
As that which fills your veins: your swelling titles, 
Your ample fortune, with your men's observance 
And women's flattery, are in you no virtues; 
Nor these rags," with my poverty, in me vices. 
You have a fair fame, and, I know, deserve it; 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 19 

Yet, lady, I must say, in nothing more 
Than in the pious sorrow you have shown 
For your late noble husband. 
Ord. There he touch'd her. 

Well. That husband, madam, was once in his fortune 
Almost as low as I; want, debts, and quarrels, 
Lay heavy on him : let it not be thought 
A boast in me, though I say I relieved him. 
'Twas I that gave him fashion; mine the sword 
That did on all occasions second his ; 
I brought him on and off with honour, lady ; 
And when in all men's judgments he was sunk, 
And in his own hopes not to be buoy'd up, 
I stepp'd unto him, took him by the hand, 
And set him upright. 

Fur. Are not we base rogues, 
That could forget this ? 
j. Well. I confess you made him 
Master of your estate ; nor could your friends, 
Tho' he brought no wealth with him, blame you for't : 
For he'd a shape, and to that shape a mind 
Made up of all parts, either great or noble ; 
So winning a behaviour, not to be 
Resisted, madam. 

Lady. 'Tis most true, he had. 
Well. For his sake, then, in that I was his friend, 
Do not contemn me. 

Lady. For what's past excuse me : 
1 will redeem it. [offers him her pocket-book 

Well. Madam, on no terms : 
1 will nor beg nor borrow sixpence of you; 
But be supplied elsewhere, or want thus ever. 

One only suit I make; pray give me leave. 

[Lady Allworth signs to the servants, who retire out 

of hearing l. h. s. e. 
1 will not tire your patience with relation 
Of the bad arts my uncle Overreach 
Still forg'd, to strip me of my fair possessions ; 



20 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Nor how he now shuts door upon my want, 

Would you but vouchsafe 

To your dead husband's friend, — as well you may, 

Your honour still left free, — but such feign'd grace, 

As might beget opinion in Sir Giles 

Of a true passion tow'rds me, you would see, 

In the mere thought to prey on me again, 

When all that's yours were mine, he'd turn my friend; 

And, that no rub might stay my course to } ? ou, 

Quit all my owings, set me trimly forth, 

And furnish'd well with gold: — which I should use, 

I trust, to your no shame, lady; but live 

Ever a grateful debtor to your gentleness. 

Lady. What! nothing else? 

[offers her pocket-book again 

Well. Nothing, unless you please to charge your 
servants 
To throw away a little respect upon me. 

Lady. All you demand is yours. 
[she beckons the se?*vants, who advance a little, l. h. 
Respect this gentleman, 

As 'twere myself. Adieu, dear master Wellborn, 

Pray let me see you with your oftenest means: 
I am ever bound to you. 

[going, and Wellborn waiting on her 

Well. Your honour's servant. [kisses her hand 

[Exit Lady Jlllworth, r. h. 

All the Servants, [coming up to Wellborn with 
bows and cringes] Ah, sweet sir, 

Well. Nay, all's forgiven, all forgotten, friends: 
And, for a lucky omen to my project, 
Shake hands, and end all quarrels in the cellar. 

All the Servants. Agreed, agreed! Still merry mas- 
ter Wellborn. [Exeunt all the Servants, l. h. 

Well. Faith, a right worthy and a liberal lady, 
Who can at once so kindly meet my purposes, 
And brave the flouts of censure, to redeem 
Her husband's friend! — When, by this honest plot, 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 21 

The world believes she means to heal my wants 

With her extensive wealth, each noisy creditor 

Will be struck mute ; and I, thus left at large 

To practise on my uncle Overreach, 

May work, perhaps, the measure to redeem 

My mortgagM fortune ; which he stripp'd me of, 

When headlong dissipation quelPd my reason. 

The fancy pleases: if the plot succeed, 

? Tis a New Way to Pay Old Debts, indeed. [Exit l. h. 



END OF ACT I- 



A-NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 



ACT II. 

Scene I. — The Skirts oj 'Lady Allworth's Park. 
Enter Sir Giles and Marall, l. h. 

Sir. G. He's gone, I warrant thee ; this commission 
crush'd him. 

Mar. Your worship has the way on't, and ne'er miss 
To squeeze these unthrifts into air: and yet 
The chap-fall'n justice did his part, returning, 
For your advantage, the certificate, 
Against his conscience and his knowledge too, 
With your good favour, to the utter ruin 
Of the poor farmer. 

Sir G. 'Twas for these good ends 
I made him a justice : he that bribes his belly, 
Is certain to command his soul. 

Mar. I wonder why, your worship having 
The power to put this thin-gut in commission, 
You are not in't yourself. 

Sir G. Thou art a fool; 
In being out of office, I am out of danger; 
Where, if I were a justice, besides the trouble, 
I might, or out of wilfulness, or error, 
Run myself finally into a praemunire, 
And so become a prey to the informer. 
No, I'll have none oft: 'tis enough I keep 
Greedy at my devotion : so he serve 
My purposes, let him hang, or damn, I care not ; 
Friendship is but a word. 

Mar. You are all wisdom. 

Sir G. I would be worldly wise; for the other wisdom. 
That does prescribe us a well-govern'd life. 
And to do right to others as ourselves, 
I value not an atom. 

Mar. What course take you, 
With your good patience, to hedge in the manor 
Of your neighbour, Mr. Frugal ? As 'tis said, 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 23 

He will nor sell, nor borrow, nor exchange ; 

And his land, lying in the midst of your many lordships, 

Is a foul blemish. 

Sir G. I have thought on't, Marall ; 
And it shall take. I must have all men sellers, 
And I the only purchaser. 

Mar. 'Tis most fit, sir. 

Sir G. I'll therefore buy some cottage near his manor; 
Which done, I'll make my men break ope' his fences. 
Ride o'er his standing corn, and in the night 
Set fire to his barns, or break his cattle's legs : 
These trespasses draw on suits, and suits expenses, 
Which I can spare, but will so©n beggar him. 
When I have harried him thus two or three year, 
Though he sue in forma pauperis, in spite 
Of all his thrift and care, he'll grow behind-hand. 

Mar. The best I ever heard! I could adore you. 

Sir G. Then, with the favour of my man of law, 
I will pretend some title : want will force him 
To put it to arbitrement; then, if he sell 
For half the value, he shall have ready money, 
And I possess his land. 

Mar. Wellborn was apt to sell, and needed not 
These fine arts, sir, to hook him in. 

Sir G. Well thought on. 
This varlet, Wellborn, lives too long to upbraid me 
With my close cheat put upon him. Will nor cold 
Nor hunger kill him? 

Mar. I know not what to think on't. 
I've us'd all means; and, the last night, I caus'd 
His host the tapster turn him out of doors ; 
And have been since with all your friends and tenants, 
And, on the forfeit of your favour, charg'd them, 
Though a crust of mouldy bread would keep him from 

starving, 
Yet they should not relieve him: this is done, sir. 

Sir G. 'Twas well done, Marall ; but thou must go 
further, 
And suddenly, Marall. 



24 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Mar. Where and when you please, sir. 

Sir G. I'd have thee seek him out, and, if thou canst, 
Persuade him that 'tis better steal than beg: 
Then, if I prove he has but robb'd a hen-roost, 
Not all the word shall save him from the gallows. 
Do any thing to work him to despair, 
And 'tis thy master-piece. 

Mar. I'll do my best, sir. 

Sir G. I'm now on my main work, with the Lord 
Lovell, 
The gallant-minded, popular, Lord Lovell, 
The minion of the people's love. I hear, 
He's come into the country; and my aims are, 
To insinuate myself into his knowledge, 
And then invite him to my house. 

Mar. I have you ; 
This points at my young mistress. 

Sir. G. She must part with 
That humble title, and be honourable, 
Right honourable, Marall, my right honourable 

daughter ; 
If all I have, or e'er shall get, will do it! 
I'll have her well-attended; there are ladies 
Of errant knights decay'd, and brought so low, 
That, for cast clothes and meat, will gladly serve her. 
And 'tis my glory, tho' I come from the city, 
To have their issue, whom I have undone, 
To kneel to mine, as bond-slaves. 

Mar. 'T is fit state, sir. 

Sir G. And, therefore, I'll not have a chambermaid 
That ties her shoes, or any meaner office, 
But such whose fathers were right worshipful. 
'Tis a rich man's pride! there having ever been 
More than a feud, a strange antipathy, 
Between us and true gentry. 

Enter Wellborn, r. h. 

Mar. See, who's here, sir. [Marall goes up 

Sir G. Hence, monster! prodigy! 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 25 

Well. Call me what you will;— 
I am your nephew, sir, your sister's son. 

Sir G. Avoid my sight! thy breath's infectious, 



rogue ' 



I shun thee as a leprosy, or the plague. 

Come hither, Marall— This is the time to work him. 

Mar. I warrant you, sir. [Exit Sir Giles, r. h. 

Well. By this light, I think, he's mad. 

Mar. Mad ! had you ta'en compassion on yourself, 
You long since had been mad. 

Well. You've ta'en a course, 
Between you and my venerable uncle, 
To make me so. 

Mar. The more pale-spirited you, 
That would not be instructed. I swear deeply, — 

Well. By what? 

Mar. By my religion. 

Well. Thy religion? 
The devil's creed ! — But what would you have done? 

Mar. Had there been but one tree in the whole 
shire, 
Or any hope to compass a single halter, 
Before, like you, I had outliv'd my fortunes, 
A withe had sei v'd my turn to hang myself. 
I'm zealous in your cause: 'pray, hang yourself, 
And presently, as you love your credit. 

Well. I thank you. 

Mar. Will you stay till you die in a ditch? 
Or, if you dare not do the feat yourself, 
But that you'll put the state to charge and trouble, 
Is there no purse to be cut ? house to be broken ? 
Or market-woman with eggs that you may murder, 
And so despatch the business ? 

Well. Here's variety, 
I must confess; but I'll accept of none 
Of all your gentle offers, I assure you. [crosses to r. h. 

Mar. If you like not hanging, drown yourself; take 
some course 
For your reputation, 
c 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Well. 'Twill not do, dear temper, 
With all the rhetoric the fiend hath taught you. 
I am as far as thou art from despair; 
Nay, I have confidence, which is more than hope, 
To live and suddenly, better than ever. 

Mar, Ha ! ha ! these castles you build in the air, 
Will not persuade me or to give or lend, 
A token to you. 

Well. I will be more kind to thee: 
Come thou shalt dine with me. 

Mar. With you! 

Well, Nay more, dine gratis. 

Mar. Under what hedge, I pray you ? or at whose 
cost? 
Are they paddies, or gipsies, that are your consorts? 

Well. Thou art incredulous; but thou shalt dine, 
Not alone at her house, but with a gallant lady; 
With me, and with a lady. 

Mar. Lady! what lady? 
With the lady of the lake, or queen of fairies? 
For, I know, it must be an enchanted dinner. 

Well. With the lady Allworth, knave. 

Mar. Nay, now there's hope 
Thy brain is crack'd. 

Well. Mark there with what respect 
I am entertain'd. 

Mar. With choice, no doubt, of dog-whips. 
Why, dost thou ever hope to pass her porter? 

Well. ^Tis not far off, go with me; trust thine owo 
eyes. 

Mar. Troth, in my hope, or my assurance rather, 
To see thee curvet and mount like a dog in a blanket, 
If ever thou presume to pass her threshold, 
I will endure thy company. 

Well. Come along then. 
\ Exeunt, r. h. As Wellborn is going, Mar all mo- 
tions with cane to have the precedence. Wellborn 

does so, and Marall exit pompously.'] 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. & 

Scene II. — 7ne Hall in Lady Allworth's House. 

Enter Watchall, Furnace, Order, Amble, and All- 
worth, r. H. 

sftllw. [l. h.] Your courtesies o'erwhelm me: 1 
much grieve 
To part with such true friends; and yet find comfort, 
My attendance on my honourable lord, 
Whose resolution holds to visit my lady, 
Will speedily bring me back. 
[ Wellborn and Mar all, without, l. h. Wellborn 

knocks — exit Watchall, l. h.] 

Mar. Dar'st thou venture further? 

Well. Yes, yes, and knock again. [knocks 

Ord. ? Tis he: disperse. 

Amb. Perform it bravely. 

Fur. I know my cue, ne'er doubt me. 
[Exeunt Furnace, l. h. s. e. Order and Amble, r. b. 

Enter Watchall, Wellborn, and Marall, l. h. 

Wat. Beast that I was, to make you stay! Most 
welcome; 
You were long since expected. 

Well. Say so much 
To my friend, I pray you. 

Wat. For your sake, I do, sir. [Exit, r. h. 

Mar. For his sake! 

Well. Mum; this is nothing. 

Mar. More than ever 
I'd have believ'd, tho' I had found it in my primer. 

Allw. When I have given you reasons for my late 
harshness, 
You'll pardon and excuse me; [crosses to centre] for, 

believe me, 
Though now I part abruptly, in my service 
I will deserve it. 

Mar. Service ! with a vengeance ! 

Well. Pm satified: farewell, Tom. 

Allw. All joy stay with you! [Exit, l. h. 



28 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Enter Amble, r. h. 

Amb. You're happily encountered ; I ne'er yet 
Presented one so welcome as, I know, 
You will be to my lady. 

Mar. This is some vision ; 
Or, sure, these men are mad, to worship a dunghill ; 
It cannot be a truth. 

Well. Be still a pagan, 
An unbelieving infidel; be so, miscreant, 
And meditate on blankets, and on dog-whips! 

Enter Furnace, l. h. s. e. 

Fur. [comes down between Well, and Mar.] I'm 
glad you're come ; until I know your pleasure, 
I knew not how to serve up my lady's dinner. 
Mar. His pleasure! is it possible? 
Well. What's thy will ? 
Fur. Marry, sir, I have 
Some rails and quails, and my lady will'd me ask you, 
What kind of sauces best affect your palate, 
That I may use my utmost skill to please it. 

[ Wellborn whispers Furnace up the stage 
Mar. The devil's enter'd this cook: sauce for his 
palate, 
That, on my knowledge, 

Durst wish but cheese-parings and brown bread on 
Sundays ! 
Well. That way I like them best 
Fur. It shall be done, sir. [Exit Furnace, l. h. s. e. 
Well. What think you of the hedge we shall dine 
under? 
Shall we feed gratis ? 

Mar, I know not what to think; 
-Pray you, make me not mad. 

Enter Order, r. h. 

Ord. This place becomes you not ; 
'Pray you, walk, sir, to the dining-room. 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Well. I am well here, 
Till her ladyship quits her chamber. 

Mar. Well here, say you ? 
'Tis a rare change! but yesterday, you thought 
Yourself well in a barn, wrapp'd up in pease-straw. 

Enter Tabitha and Abigail, r. h. 

Tab. 0! you're much wish'd for, sir. 

Abi. Last night, my lady 
Dreamt of you; and her first command this morning, 
Was to have notice, sir, of your arrival. 
See, my lady. [Exit Order, r. h. 

Enter Lady Allworth, r. ii. 

Lady. I come to meet you, and languished till I saw 
you-- 
This first kiss is for form; I allow a second 
To such a friend. 

Mar. To such a friend! heaven bless me! 
^ Well. I'm wholly your's; yet, madam, if you please 
To grace this gentleman with a salute. 
[As Marall attempts to sneak off, Wellborn pulls 

him back by the cloak and puts him over to Lady 

Allworth, r. h.] 

Mar. Salute me at his bidding ! 

[Marall retreats towards the door, l. h. 

Well. I shall receive it 
As a most high favour. 

Lady. Your friends are ever welcome to me. 

Well, [bringing Mar. back] Run backward from 
a lady ! and such a lady ! 

Mar. To kiss her foot is, to poor me, a favour 
I am unworthy of. [offers to kiss her foot. 

Lady. Nay, 'pray you rise; 
And, since you are so humble, I'll exalt you: 
You shall dine with me to day at mine own table. 

Mar. Your ladyship's table ! I'm not good enough 
To sit at your steward's board, 
c 2 



30 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DE£f S. 

Lady. You are too modest; 
I will not be denied. 

Enter Order, r. h. 

Ord. Dinner is ready for your ladyship. 

Lady. Come, master Wellborn: 
[ To Marall, ivho is retreating again and is pulled 

back by Wellborn"] 
Nay keep us company. 

Mar. I was ne'er so grac'd. 
{Lady «Wworth and Wellborn take Marall by the 

hand — he bowing with the greatest servility — they 

retire through m. d. — Exeunt Mi. and Tab, r. h. 

Enter Furnace, l. h. s. e. 

Ord. So we've play'd our parts, and are come oft 
well : 
But if I know the mistery, why my lady 
Consented to it, may I perish ! 

Fur. Would I had 
The roasting of his heart that cheated him, 
And forces the poor gentleman to these shifts ! 
By fire, — for cooks are Persians, and swear by it, 
Of all the griping and extorting tyrants 
1 ever heard or read of, I ne'er met 
A match to Sir Giles Overreach. 

Wat. What will you take 
To tell him so, fellow Furnace? 

Fur. Just as much 
As my throat is worth ; for that would be the price on r i. 
To have a usur r hat starves himself, 
To grow rich, ind then purchase, is too common: 
But this Sir Giles feeds high ; keeps many servants; 
Rich in his habil vast in his expenses; 
Yet he, to adn at in, still increases 
In wealth and siiips. 

Ord. He fright^ men out of their estates, 
And breaks ih II law-nets, made to curb ill men. 

As they were co No man dares reprove him. 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 31 

Such a spirit to dare, and power to do, were never 

Lodg'd so unluckily. 

■ 

Enter Amble, through at. d. 

Amb. Ha! ha! I shall burst. 

Ord. Contain thyself, man. 

Fur. Or make us partakers 
Of your sudden mirth. 

Amb, Ha ! ha ! my lady has got 
Such a guest at her table ! — this term-driver, Marall, 
This snip of an attorney! 

Wat. What of him, man? 

Amb. The knave feeds so slovenly ! 

Fur. Is this all ? 

Amb. My lady 
Drank to him for fashion's sake, or to please master 

Wellborn; 
As 1 live, he rises and takes up a dish 
In which there was some remnants of a boil'd capon, 
And pledges her in white broth ! 

Fur. Nay, 'tis like 
The rest of his tribe. 

Amb. And when I brought him wine, 
He leaves his chair, and, after a leg or two, 
Most humbly thanks my worship. 

All the Servants. Ha! ha! ha! — 

[Furnace runs off, l. h. s. e. 

Enter Lady Allworth, Wellborn, and Marall, 
through m. d. 

Lady. You attend us well ! 
Let me have no more of this; I observ'd your leering: 
Sir, 1 will have you know, whom I think worthy 
To sit at my table, 
When I am present, is not your companion. 

Ord. [aside] Nay, she'll preserve what's due to her. 

Lady, [to Wellborn] You are master 
(N your own will, I know so much of manners, 



52 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

As not to enquire your purposes; in a word, 

[crosses to r. h Wellborn following her 

To me you are ever welcome, as to a house 

That is your own. 

Well. Mark that. [to Marall 

Mar. [l. h.] With reverence, sir, 

And it like your worship. 

Well. Trouble yourself no further, 

Dear madam, my heart's full of zeal and service; 

However in my language I am sparing. 

Come, master Marall. [crosses to l. h. 

Mar. I attend your worship. 

[Here Wellborn entreats Marall to lead, who de- 
clines — Wellborn then bows and exit l. h. Mar- 
all follows. 

Lady, [to the servants'] I see in your looks you 
are sorry, and you know me 

An easy mistress: be merry; I have forgot all. 

Order and Amble, come with me ; I must give you 

Further directions. 

Ord. What you please. 

Amb. We are ready. [Exeunt r. h. 

Scene III. — The Open Country. 
Enter Wellborn and Marall, l. h. s. e. 

Well. I think I'm in a good way. 

Mar. Good, sir! The best way; 
The certain best way. 

Well. There are casualties 
That men are subject to. — Is't for your ease 
You keep your hat off? 

Mar. Ease, an it like your worship ! 
I hope Jack Marall shall not live so long, 
To prove himself such an unmannerly beast, 
Though it hail hazel-nuts, as to be covered 
When your worship's present. 

Well, [aside] Is not this a true rogue, 
That, out of a mere hope of a future coz'nage, 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 53 

Can turn thus suddenly ? 'tis rank already. 

Mar, I know your worship's wise, and needs no 
counsel ; 
Yet if, in my desire to do you service, 
I humbly offer my advice, (but still 
Under correction,) I hope 1 shall not 
Incur your high displeasure. 

Well. No; speak freely. 

Mar. Then, in my judgment, sir, my simple judg- 
ment, 
(Still with your worship's favour,) I could wish you 
A better habit; for this cannot be 
But much distasteful to the noble lady 
That loves you: 
] have twenty pounds here, 
Which, out of my true love, I'll presently 
Lay down at your worship's feet; 'twill serve to buy 

you 
A riding suit. 

Well. But where's the horse? 

Mar. My gelding 
Is at your service: nay, you shall ride me, 
Before your worship shall be put to the trouble 
To walk afoot. Alas! when you are lord 
Of this lady's manor, (as I know you will be,) 
You may with the lease of glebe land, oall'd Knave's 

Acre, 
A place I would manure, requite your vassal. 

Well. I thank thy love; but will make no use of it. 
Did 1 want clothes, think'st thou I could not have 'em 
For one word to my lady ? 

Mar. As I know not that — 

Well. Come, I'll tell thee a secret, and so leave thee. 
I'll not give her the advantage, though she be 
A gallant-minded lady, after we're married 
To hit me in the teeth, and say, she was forc'd 
To buy my wedding clothes. — 
No, I'll be furnish'd something like myself, 
And so farewell. — For thy suit touching Knave's Acre, 



34 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

When it is mine, 'tis thine. [Exit Wellborn, r. h. 

Mar. I thank your worship. 
How was I cozen'd in the calculation 
Of this man's fortune ! My master cozen'd too, 
Whose pupil I am in the art of undoing men; 
For that is our profession. Well, well, master Wellborn, 
You are of a sweet nature, and fit again to be cheated; 
Which, if the fates please, when you are possess'd 
Of the land and lady, you sans question shall be. 
I'll presently think of the means. 

[walks by, musing, r. h. 

Enter Sir Giles, l. h. [speaking as he enters. 

Sir G. Sirrah, order my carriage round ; 
I'll walk, to get me an appetite; 'tis but a mile; 
And exercise will keep me from being pursey. 
Ha ! Marall ! — Is he conjuring ? Perhaps 
The knave has wrought the prodigal to do 
Some outrage on himself, and now he feels 
Compunction in his conscience for't: no matter. 
So it be done. — Marall ! 

Mar, Sir? 

Sir G. How succeed we 
In our plot on Wellborn? 

Mar. Never better, sir. 

Sir G. Has he hang'd or drown'd himself? 

Mar. No, sir, he lives ; 
Lives, once more to be made a prey to you, 
A greater prey than ever. 

Sir G. Art thou in thy wits ? 
If thou art, reveal this miracle, and briefly. 

Mar. A lady, sir, is fall'n in love with him. 

Sir G. With him ! What lady ? 

Mar. The rich Lady Allworth. 

Sir G. Thou dolt! how dar'st thou speak this? 

Mar, I speak truth, 
And I do so but once a year, unless 
It be to you, sir. We din'd with her ladyship, 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 35 

I thank his worship. 

Sir G. His worship I 

Mar. As I live, sir, 
I din'd with him, at the great lady's table, 
Simple as I stand here ; and saw when she kiss'd him^ 
And would at his request, have kiss'd me too. 

Sir G. Why thou rascal ! 
To tell me these impossibilities. 
Dine at her table ! and kiss him ! or thee ! 
Impudent varlet, have not I myself, 
Ten times attempted, since her husband's death, 
In vain, to see her, though I came a suitor? 
And yet your good solicitorship, and rogue Wellborn, 
Were brought into her presence, feasted with her ! — 
But that I know thee a dog that cannot blush, 
This most incredible lie would call up one 
On thy buttermilk cheeks. 

Mar. Shall I not trust my eyes, sir, 
Or taste ? I feel her good cheer in my belly. 

Sir G. You shall feel me, if you give not over, 
sirrah: 
Recover your brains again, and be no more gull'd 
With a beggar's plot, assisted by the aids 
Of serving-men and chambermaids, 
Or I'll quit you from my employments. 

Mar. Will you credit this yet? 
On my confidence of their marriage, I offer'd Well- 
born — 
[aside'} (I'd give a crown now I durst say his worship,) 
My nag, and twenty pounds. 

Sir G. Did you so, idiot? [strikes him 

Was this the way to work him to despair, 
Or rather to cross me ? [beats him 

Mar, Will your worship kill me? 

Sir G. No, no ; but drive the lying spirit out of you, 

Mar. He's gone. 

Sir G. I've done then. Now, forgetting 
Your late imaginary feast and lady, 
Know, my Lord Lovell dines with me to-morrow : 



36 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Be careful naught be wanting to receive him; 

And bid my daughter's women trim her up, 

Though they paint her, so she catch the lord, I'll 

thank 'm. — 
There's a piece, for my late blows. [crosses r. 

Mar. [aside] I may yet cry quittance, 
There may be a time 

Sir G. Do you grumble ? 

Mar. No, sir. [Exeunt , r. h. 



END OF ACT 1I< 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

ACT III. 

Scene I. — The Skirts of Lady Allworth's Park 
Enter Lovell and Allworth, l* h. 

Lov. [speaking as he enters'] Drive the coacl 
round the hill: something in private 
I must impart to Allworth. 

tfltlw. O, my lord, 
What sacrifice of rev'renee, duty, watching. 
Although I could put off the use of sleep. 
And ever wait on your commands to serve 'em; 
What dangers, though in ne'er so horrid shapes, 
Nay death itself, though I should run to meet it, 
Can I, and with a thankful willingness, suffer; 
But still the retribution will fall short 
Of your bounties shower'd upon me? 

Lev. Nay, good youth, 
Till what I purpose be put into act, 
Do not o'erprize it. Since you've trusted me 
With your soul's nearest, nay, her dearest secret, 
Rest confident, 'tis in a cabinet lock'd 
Treachery shall never open. I have found you 
More zealous in your love and service to me. 
Than I have been in my rewards. 

Allw. Still great ones, 
Above my merit. 
You have been 

More like a father to me than a master: 
• Pray you, pardon the comparison, 

Lov. I allow it; 
And to give you assurance I am pleaVd in't, 
My carriage and demeanour to your mistress, 
Fair Margaret, shall truly witness for me, 
I can command my passions. 

vlllw. 'Tis a conquest 
Few men can boast of, when they are tempted. — Oh! 

Lov. Why do you sigh ? Can you be doubtful of me ? 
By that fair name I in the wars have purchas'd, 

D 



33 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS 

And all my actions, hitherto untainted, 

J will not be more true to mine own honour, 

Than to thee, Allworth! 

Jllhv. Were you to encounter with a single foe. 
The victory were certain: but to stand 
The charge of two such potent enemies, 
At once assaulting you, as wealth and beauty, 
And those too seconded with power, is odds 
Too great for Hercules. 

Lov. Speak your doubts and fears, 
Since you will nourish 'em, in plainer language. 
That I may understand 'em, 

Jlllw. My much-lov'd lord, were Margaret only fair, 
You might command your passion; 
But, when the well-tun'd accents of her tongue 
Make music to you, and with numerous sounds 
Assault your hearing, 
Hippolytus himself would leave Diana, 
To follow such a Venus. 

Lov, Love hath made you 
Poetical, Allworth. 

Allw. Grant all these beat off, 
(Which if it be in man to do, you'll do it,) 
Mammon, in Sir Giles Overreach, steps in 
With heaps of ill-got gold, and as much land 
As would tire 

A falcon's wings, in one day to fly over. 
I here release your trust: 
'Tis happiness enough for me, to serve you, 
And sometimes, with chaste eyes, to look upon her., 

Lov. W 7 hy, shall I swear? 

mAUw. 0, by no means, my lord! 

Lov. Suspend 
Your judgment till the trial. How far is't 
To Overreach's house? 

rillw. At the most, some half hour's riding; 
You'll soon be there. 

Lov. And you the sooner freed 
From your jealous fears. 

Jlllw* Oh, that I durst but hope it! [Exeunt, r. h. 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS * 

S< enb II.— The Hall in Sir Giles* House. 
Enter Sir Giles, Greedy, and Makall, l. h. c. i 
[Sir Giles in the centre, Greedy, r. h. MaralL l. h,] 

Sir G. Spare for no cost; let my dressers crack « 
the weight 
Of curious viands. 

Gree. Store indeed's no sore, sir. 

Sir G. That proverb fits your stomach, master 
Greedy. 

Gree. It does, indeed, Sir Giles: I do not like to see 
a table ill-spread, poor, meagre, just sprinkled o'er 
with salads, slic'd beef, giblets, and pig's pettitoes. 
But the substantials— O, Sir Giles, the substantiate' 
The state of a fat turkey now ! the decorum, the gran- 
deur, he marches in with! 0, I declare, I do much 
honour a chine of beef! 0, 1 do reverence a loin of. 
veal ! 

Sir G. And let no plate be seen, but what's pure 
gold, 
Or such whose workmanship exceeds the matter 
That it is made of: let my choicest linen 
Perfume the room; and, when we wash, the water, 
With precious powders mix'd, so please my lord, 
That he may with envy wish to bathe so ever. 

Mar. 'Twill be very chargeable. 

Sir G. A vaunt, you drudge ! 
Now all my laboured ends are at the stake., 
Is't a time to think of thrift? Call in my daughter. 
Call in my daughter! [Exit Marall, l. h. 

And, master justice, since you love choice dishes, 
And plenty of 'em 

Gree. As I do indeed, sir, 
Almost as much as to give thanks for 'em. 

Sir G. I do confer that providence, with my power 
Of absolute command to have abundance, 
To your best care. 

Gree. I'll punctually discharge it, 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

And give the best directions. 

[Sir Giles retires up the stage 
Now am I, 

In mine own conceit, a monarch, at the least, 
Arch-president o' the boil'd, the roast, the bak'd:— 
I ? d not change my throne for the Great Mogul's: 
For which I will eat often; and give thanks, 
When my belly's brac'd up like a drum, and that's 
pure justice. [Exit Greedy, r. h. 

Sir G. [advancing} It must be so: should the fool- 
ish girl prove modest, 
She may spoil all : she had it not from me, 
Eut from her mother : I was ever forward, 
And she must be; and therefore I'll prepare her. 

Enter Marall, followed by Margaret, and attend- 
ants, L. H. 

Alone, Margaret, — 
Alone, — and let your women wait without 

[Exit Women, l. h. 

Marg* Your pleasure, sir? 

Sir G. Ha! this is a neat dressing ! 

[walks round her 
These orient pearls and diamonds well plac'd too! 
The gown affects me not, it should have been 
Embroider'd o'er and o'er with flowers of gold; 
Eut these rich jewels and qua nt fashion help it 
How like you your new worn i, 
The Lady Downfall? 

Marg. Well, for a companion ; 
Not as a servant. 

Sir G. Is she humble, Meg, 
And careful too, her ladyship forgotten? 

Marg. I pity her fortune. 

Sir G. Pity her ! Trample on her. 
I took her up in an old tamin gown, 
E'en starv'd for very want of food, to serve thee. 
And if I understand she but repines 
To do thee any duty, though ne'er so servile. 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 41 

I'll pack her to her knight, where I have lodg'd him, 
Into the counter, and there let 'em howl together. 

Marg. You know your own ways, but for me, I 
blush 
When I command her, that was once attended 
With persons not inferior to myself 
In birth. 

Sir G. In birth ! Why, art thou not my daughter, 
The blest child of my industry and wealth? 
Part with these humble thoughts, and apt thyself 
To the noble state I labour to advance thee; 
Or, by my hopes to see thee honourable, 
I will adopt a stranger to my fortunes, 
And throw thee from my care: do not provoke me. 

Marg. I will not, sir; mould me which way you 
please. 

Enter Greedy, with a napkin round his neck, and 
a rolling-pin in his hand, r. k. 

Gree. Sir Giles, Sir Giles, — 

Sir G. How! interrupted? [crosses to centre 

Gree. 'Tis matter of importance. 
The cook, sir, is self-will'd, and will not learn 
From my experience. There's a fawn brought in, sir, 
And, for my life, I cannot make him roast it whole 
With a Norfolk dumpling in the belly of it: 
And, sir, we wise men know, without the dumpling! 
s Tis not worth three pence. 

Sir G. Would it were whole in thy belly, 
To stuff it out! Cook it any way: Pr'ythee, leave me. 

Gree. Without order for the dumpling ? 

Sir G. Let it be dumpled 
Which way thou wilt; or, tell him, I will scald him 
In his own caldron. 

Gree. I had lost my stomach 
Had I lost my dumpling. [Exit Greedy, r. h. 

Sir G. But to our business, Meg: — You've heard 
who dines here ? 

Marg. I have, sir. 
d 2 



4£ A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS 

Sir G. 'Tis an honourable man ; 
A lord, Meg, and commands a regiment 
Of soldiers; and, what's rare, is one himself, 
A bold and understanding one ; and to be 
A lord, and a good leader, in one volume, 
Is granted unto few, but such as rise up 
The kingdom's glory. 

Re-enter Greedy, with a toast and fork, r. h. 

Gree. I'll resign my office, 
If I be not better obey'd. 

Sir G. 'Slight, art thou frantic? 
Gree. Frantic ! 'twould make me frantic, and stark 
mad, 
Were I not a justice of peace and quorum too. 
Which this rebellious cook cares not a straw for. 
There are a dozen of woodcocks. — 
He has found out 

A new device for sauce, and will not dish 3 em 
With toast and butter. 

Sir G. [crosses to r. h. behind] Cook! — rogue, vhe\ 
him! 
I've given the word: pray, now remove yourself 
To a collar of brawn, and trouble me no further. 
Gree. I will, and meditate what to eat at dinner. 

[Exit Greedy, r. h. 
Sir G. And as I said, Meg, when this gull dis- 
turb'd us, 
This honourable lord, this colonel, 
I would have thy husband. 

Marg. There's too much disparity 
Between his quality and mine, to hope it. 

Sir G. I more than hope, and doubt not to effect it: 
Be thou no enemy to thyself: my wealth 
Shall weigh his titles down, and make you equals. 
Now for the means to assure him thine, observe me: 
Remember, he's a courtier, and a soldier, 
And not to be trifled with; and therefore, when 
He comes to woo you, see you do not coy it: 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 43 

This mincing modesty hath spoil'd many a match 
By a first refusal, in vain after hop'd for. 

Marg. You'll have me, sir, preserve the distance 
that 
Confines a virgin ? 

Sir G. Virgin me no virgins! 
Pll have you Jose that name, or you lose me; 
I'll have you private, — start not, — 1 say, private: 
If you are my true daughter, 

You'll venture alone with one man, though he came 
Like Jupiter to Semele, and come off too: 
And therefore, when he kisses you, kiss close. 

Marg. I've heard this is the wanton's fashion, sir, 
Which I must never learn. 

Sir G. Learn any thing, 
And from any creature, that may make thee great; 
E'en from the devil himself: stand not on form; 
Words are no substances. 

Marg. With your leave, sir; — in worldly policy, 
This is not the way to make me his wife: 
My virgin scruples overcome so soon, 
Cannot Taut assure him, 

I, that am light to him, will not hold weight 
When tempted by others; so, in judgment, 
If, to obey you, I forget my honour, 
He must and will forsake me. 

Sir G. How ! forsake thee? 
Do I wear a sword for fashion ? or is this arm 
Shrunk up, or wither'd? Does there live a man., 
Of that large list I have encounter'd with, 
Can truly say 1 e'er gave inch of ground 
Not purchas'd with his blood that did oppose me ? 
Forsake thee !r— He dares not. 
Though all his captains, echoes to his will, 
Stood arm'd by his side, to justify the wrong, 
Spite of his lordship, and his colonelship, 
I'd make him render 
A bloody and a strict account, and force him, 



44 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

By marrying thee, to cure thy wounded honour. 
Meg, I have said it. [crosses to l. k. 

Enter Marall, hastily, l. h. u. e. 

Mar. Sir, sir, the man of honours come, 
Newly alighted. 

Sir G. In, there, without reply, and wait my call: 
And do as I command, or thou art lost. 

[Exit Margaret, k. h. 
Is the loud music I gave order for 
Ready to receive him ? 

Mar. 'Tis, sir. 

Sir G. Let J em sound 
A princely welcome. [Exit Mar all, l. h. u. e. 

Roughness, awhile leave me; 
For fawning now, a stranger to my nature, 
Must make way for me. 
[Music, l. h. u. e. till characters are down the stage: 

two serva?its precede with wands, four follow the 

characters'] 

Enter Marall, Lovell, Allworth, l. h, l. t. 

Lov. Sir, you meet your trouble. 
Sir G. What you are pleas'd to style so. is an honour 
Above my worth and fortunes. 

Re-enter Greedy, r. h. 

Jlllw* [aside'] Strange! so humble! 

Sir. G. A justice of peace, my lord. 

{presents Greedy to him 

Lov. Your hand, good sir. 

Gree. [aside] This is a lord: some would think this 
a favour; 
But I had rather have my hand in my dumpling. 

Sir G. Room for my lord. 

Lov. I miss, sir, your fair daughter, 
To crown my welcome. 

Sir G. May it please my lord 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 45 

To taste a glass of Greek wine first? and suddenly 
She shall attend, my lord. [Exeunt servants, l. h. 
Lov. You'll be obey'd, sir. [music] 

[Exeunt all but Sir Giles, l. h. 
Sir G. 'Tis to my wish ; as soon as come, ask for 
her. 
Why, Meg ! Meg Overreach ! 

Re-enter Margaret, r. h. 

How ! tears in your eyes ! 

Hah ! dry 'em quickly, or I'll dig 'em out. 

Is this a time to whimper ? meet that greatness 

That flies into thy bosom ; think what 'tis 

For me to say, my honourable daughter. 

No more 5 but be instructed, or expect He comes! 

Re-enter Lovell, Allworth, Greedy, and Marall. 

A well form'd girl, my lord. 

Lov. [crosses to Margaret] As I live, a rare one! 

[salutes her 

Jillw. He's ta'en already : I am lost. 

Sir. G. That kiss 
Came twanging off; I like it: — Quit the room. 

[Exeunt Greedy, Marall, and Jlllworth, r. h. s. e. 
A little bashful, my good lord, but you, 
I hope, will teach her boldness. 

Lov. I am happy 
In such a scholar : but 

Sir G. I am past learning, 
And therefore leave you to yourselves. — Remember. 
[aside to Margaret, and exit r. h> 

Lov. You see, fair lady, your father is solicitous 
To have you change the barren name of virgin 
Into a hopeful wife. 

Marg. His haste, my lord, 
Holds no power o'er my will. 

Lov. But o'er your duty. 

Marg. Which, forc'd too much, may break. 



46 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Lov. Bend rather, sweetest : 
Think of your years. 

Marg. Too few to match with yours. 

Lov. I can advance you. 

Marg. To a hill of sorrow; 
Where every hour I may expect to fall, 
But never hope firm footing. You are noble, 
I of a low descent, however rich : 
O, my good lord, I could say more, but that 
I dare not trust these walls. 

Lov. Pray you, trust my ear then. [they ivhisper 

Re-enter Sir Giles, listening, r. h, 

Sir G. Close at it ! whispering ! — this is excellent ! 
And, by their postures, a consent on both parts. 

Re-enter Greedy, r. h. 

Gree. Sir Giles! Sir Giles! 

Sir G. The great fiend stop that clapper! 

Gree. It must ring out, sir, when my belly rings 
noon. 
The bak'd meats are run out, the roast turn'd powder. 

Sir G. Stop your insatiate jaws, or 
I shall powder you. 

Gree. Beat me to dust, I care not: 
In such a cause as this, I'll die a martyr. 

Sir G. Disturb my lord, 
When he is in discourse? 

Gree. Is't a time to talk 
When we should be munching? 

Sir G. Mum, villain; vanish! shall we break a 
bargain 
Almost made up? 

[Exit, thrusting Greedy off before hivi. r. h. 

Lov. Lady, I understand you, 
And wish you happy in your choice; believe it, 
I'll be a careful pilot to direct 
Your yet uncertain bark to a port of safety. 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 47 

Marg. So shall your honour save two lives, and 
bind us 
Your slaves for ever. 

Lav, I'm in the act rewarded, 
Since it is good : Howe'er, you must put on 
An amorous carriage towards me, till our purpose 
Be brought to the wish'd end. 

Marg, I'm prone to that. 

Lov. Now break we off our conference.— Sir Giles. 
Where is Sir Giles? 

Enter Sir Giles, Allworth, (who crosses behind to 
l. h. o/Lovell,) Greedy, and Marall, r- h. 

Sir G. My noble lord; and how 
Does your humble lordship find her? 
Lov. Apt, Sir Giles, and coming; 
And I like her the better. 
Sir G. [aside] So do I too. 

Lov. Yet, should we take forts at the first assault, 
'Twere poor in the defendant: I will confirm her 
With a love-letter or two, which I shaH have 
Deliver'd by my page : — we must, for form, give way 
to't. [puts Allw. over to Sir Giles. 

Sir G. With all my soul. 
A tbwardly gentleman! 

Your hand, good master Allworth : know my house 
Is ever open to you. 

Allw. [aside] ? Twas shut till now. 
Sir G. [to Margaret] Well done, well done, my 
honourable daughter! 
Thou'rt so already, \_puts Marg, over to Allw.] know 

this gentle youth, 
And cherish him, my honourable daughter ! 
Marg. I shall, with my best care. 
Prompter, [l. h.] Room, room, — make way there. 
Sir G. What noise: 
Gree. More stops 
Before we go to dinner ! my guts ! 



48 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Enter two Servants with wands preceding, and four 
following Lady Allworth and Welleorn, m. r». 

Lady, [to Wellborn} If I find welcome, 
You shall share in't, if not, I'll back again ; 
For I come arm'd for all can be objected. 

Lov. How ! the Lady Allworth ? [crosses to her 

Sir G. And thus attended ! 
[Lovell presents Margaret to Lady Allworth— Sir 

Giles crosses to Mar all, who is on r. h. 

Mar, No, I am a dolt; 
The spirit of lies hath enter'd me. 

Lov. Noble lady, 
This is a favour, to prevent my visit, 
The service of my life can never equal. 

Lady. My lord, I laid wait for you, and much hop-d 
You would have made my poor house your first inn: 
And therefore, doubting that you might forget me, 
I borrow'd so much from my long restraint, 
And took the air, in person to invite you. 

Lov. Your bounties are so great, they rob me, 
madam, 
Of words to give you thanks. 

Lady. Good Sir Giles Overreach, — [hows to him 
How dost thou, Marall? — Lik'd you my meat so ill, 
You'll dine no more with me ? 

Gree. I will, when you please, 
An it like your ladyship. 

Lady. When you please, master Greedy; 
If meat can do't, you shall be satisfied. 
And now, my lord, pray take into your knowledge 
This gentleman : howe'er his outside's coarse, 

[presents Wellborn 
His inward linings are as fine and fair 
As any man's : 

And, howsoe'er his humour carries him 
To be thus accoutred, or what taint soe'er, 
For his wild life, hath stuck upon his fame, 
He may, ere long, with boldness, rank himself 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 49 

With some that have contemn'd him. Sir Giles Over- 
reach, 
If I am welcome, bid him so. 

Sir G. My nephew! [crosses to Wellborn, l. h. 
He has been too long a stranger : faith, you have : 
Pray, let it be mended. 

[All converse apart, but Sir Giles and Wellborn.} 

Mar. Why, sir, what do you mean? 
This is rogue Wellborn, monster, prodigy; 
No man of worship, 
Much less your nephew. 

Sir G. Well, sirrah, we shall reckon 
For this hereafter. [crosses to r. h. 

Mar. I'll not lose my joke, 
Though I be beaten dead for't. [Exit R. h 

Well, [advancing] Let my silence plead 
In my excuse, my lord, till better leisure 
Offer itself, to hear a full relation 
Of my poor fortunes. 

Lov. I would hear, and help 'em. [bell rings, r. h. 

Sir G. Your dinner waits you. 

Lov. Pray you, lead ; we follow. 

Lady. Dear master Wellborn, come : — You are my 

guest. [music 

[ Takes Wellborn's hand. Exeunt all but Greedy, 

r. h. Two servants, then Lady Jlllw. and Well. 

Lord Lovell and Mar g., Allw. following. Sir G.. 

Mar., and four servants.] 

Gree. Dear master Wellborn! so she said : Heaven, 
heaven ! 
If my belly would give me leave, I could ruminate 
All day on this : I've granted twenty warrants 
To have him committed, from all prisons in the shire, 
To Nottingham jail ! And now, Dear master Wellborn! 
And, My good nephew ! — But I play the fool, 
To stand here prating, and forget my dinner. 

Re-enter Mar all, r. h, 

Are they set, Marall? 



50 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Mar. Long since, [attempts to go, Marall stops 
him] Pray you, a word, sir. 

Gree. No wording now. 

Mar. In troth, I must: My master, 
Knowing you are his friend, makes bold with you, 
And does entreat you, more guests being come in 
Than he expected, especially his nephew, 
The table being full too, you would excuse him, 
And wait to sup with him on the cold meat. 

Gree. How! no dinner, 
After all my care ? 

Mar. 'Tis but a penance for 
A meal; besides, you broke your fast 

Gree. That was 
But a bit, to stay my stomach. A man in commission 
Give place to a tatterdemalion! 

Mar. No bug words, sir ! 
Should his worship hear you, 

Gree. Lose my dumpling too, 
And butter'd toasts and woodcocks? 

Mar. Come, have patience. 
If you will dispense a little with your justiceship, 
And sit with the maids below there, you'll have 

dumpling, 
Woodcock, and butter'd toasts too, by and by. 

Gree. This revives me: 
I will gorge there sufficiently. 

Mar. There's your way, sir. [Exit Mar. r. h. 

Gree. I fear, we shall have but short commons be- 
low. I am no cameleon, to feed on air; nor Frenchman, 
to feast on a soused frog, or regale on an ounce of 
beef in a Mediterranean sea of soup: I love to see the 
board well spread, groaning under its savoury burden, 
smoking-hot from spit, furnace, and caldron. — Ods-me, 
Sir Giles! [Exit Greedy, l. h. 

Enter Sir Giles, r. h. 

Sir G. She's caught! woman! What, neglect my 
lord, 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 51 

And all her compliments apply to Wellborn ! 

In the wine she drinks, 

He being her pledge, she sends him burning kisses, 

And sits on thorns, till she be private with him. 

But why grieve I 

At this? It makes for me; if she prove his, 

All that is hers is mine, as I will work him. 

Enter Marall, r. h. 

Mar. Sir, the whole board is troubled at your rising. 

Sir G. No matter, I'll excuse it: Pry thee, Marall, 
Watch an occasion to invite my nephew 
To speak with me in private. 

Mar. Who! the rogue 
The lady scorn'd to look on ? 

Sir G. Sirrah, sirrah ! [crosses to meet Lovell 

Enter Lovell, Margaret, and Allworth, r. h. who 
crosses behind to l. h. 

Sir G. [to Lovell] My good lord, excuse ray man- 
ners. 
Lov. There needs none, Sir Giles ; 
I may ere long say — father, when it please 
My dearest mistress to give warrant to it. 

Sir G. She shall seal to it, my lord, and make me 
happy. [Lady Allworth, fyc. without, r. h. 
Lady. Nay, master Wellborn, — 
Sir G. Grosser and grosser ! 

Enter Lady Allworth, Wellborn, and Servants, 
r. h. Marall crosses behind to r. h. and Marga- 
ret crosses behind to r. h. of Allworth. 

Lady. Provide my coach, 
I'll instantly away:— My thanks, Sir Giles, 
For my entertainment. — 

[Marall whispers Wellborn r. h 

Sir G. 'Tis your nobleness, 
To think it such. 

Lady. I must do you a further wrong, 



52 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

In taking away your honourable guest. 

Lov. I wait on you, madam: Farewell, good Sir 
Giles. 

Lady. Nay, come, master Wellborn. — 

{Exit Mar all, r. h. 
I must not leave you behind; in sooth, I must not. 

Sir G. [crosses to Lady Allw.~\ Rob me not, ma- 
dam, of all joys at once: 
Let my nephew stay behind: he shall have my coach, 
And after some small conference between us, 
Soon overtake your ladyship. 

Lady. Stay not long, sir. 

Lov. Farewell, dear Margaret! You shall every day 
Hear from your servant, by my faithful page. 

Allw. 'Tis a service I am proud of. [music 

[Exeunt Lovell, Lady Allworth, Jlllworth, and ser- 
vants, M. D. 

Sir G. Daughter, to your chamber. 

[Exit Margaret, l. h. 
You may wonder, nephew, 
After so long an enmity between us, 
I should desire your friendship. 

Well. [r. h.] So I do, sir: 
7 Tis strange to me. 

Sir G. [l. h.] But I'll make it no wonder; 
And, what is more, unfold my nature to you. 
We worldly men, when we see friends, and kinsmen. 
Past hope sunk in their fortunes, lend no hand 
To lift 'em up, but rather set our feet 
Upon their heads, to press 'em to the bottom : 
As I must yield, with you I practis'd it : 
But, now I see you in a way to rise, 
I can and will assist you. This rich lady, 
(And I am glad oft,) is enamour'd of you. 

Well. No such thing: 
Compassion rather, sir. 

Sir G. Well; in a word, 
HecauDQ your stay is short, I'll have you seen 
No more in this base shap?; nor shall she say. 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 55 

She married you like a beggar, or in debt. 

Well, [aside] He'll run into the noose, and save 
my labour. 

Sir G. You have a trunk of rich clothes, not far 
hence, 
In pawn; I will redeem 'em; and, that no clamour 
May taint your credit for your petty debts, 
You shall have wherewithal to cut 'em off, 
And go a freeman to the wealthy lady. 

Well. This done, sir, out of love, and no ends else 

Sir G. As it is, nephew. 
Well. Binds me still your servant. 
Sir G. No compliments: you're staid for. Ere 
you've supp'd, 
You shall hear from me. My coach, knaves, for my 

nephew! 
To-morrow I will visit you. 

Well. Here's an uncle [crosses to l. h. 

In a man's extremes! How much they do belie you, 
That say you are hard-hearted ! 

Sir G. My deeds, nephew, 
Shall speak my love; what men report, I weigh not. 
[Exeunt Wellborn, l. h. Sir G. r. h 



END OF ACT III. 



£ 2 



54 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 



ACT IV. 

Scene I. — A Room in Lady Allworth's House. — 
Table, two chairs, pens, ink, paper, sealing wax, 
and a lighted taper. 

Lovell, seated r. h. sealing a Letter, and Allworth 
l. h. waiting on him discovered. 

Lov. 'Tis well. — May this succeed! — 

[rises and advances. 
I now discharge you 

From further service: mind your own affairs; 
I hope you'll prove successful. 

Mlw. What is blest 
With your good wish, my lord, cannot but prosper. 
Let after-times report, and to your honour, 
How much I stand engag'd, for I want language 
To speak my debt; yet, if a tear or two 
Of joy, for your much goodness, can supply 
My tongue's defects, I could — 

Lov. Nay, do not melt: 
This ceremonial thanks to me 's superfluous. 

[Sir Giles Overreach, fyc. without, l. h. 
Sir G, Is my lord stirring? 

Lov. 'Tis he! 0, here's your letter. — [takes letter 
from table and gives to *flllw.~\ Let him in. 
[Jillworth opens the l. h. d. and stands retired. 

Enter Sir Giles, Greedy, and Mar all, l. h. d. 

Sir G. A good day to my lord ! 

Lov. You are an early riser, 
Sir Giles. 

Sir G. And reason, to attend your lordship. 

Lov. And you, too, master Greedy, up so soon ! 

Gree. In troth, my lord, after the sun is up 
I cannot sleep; for I've a foolish stomach 
That croaks for breakfast. With your lordship's favour, 

[crosses to Love 1 1 r. h. 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 55 

I have a serious question to demand 
Of my worthy friend Sir Giles. 

Lov. Pray you, use your pleasure. 

[retires up the stage 

Gree. How far, Sir Giles, and pray you answer me 
Upon your credit, hold you it to be 
From your manor-house to this of my Lady Allworth's? 

Sir G. Why, some four mile. 

Gree, How! four mile, good Sir Giles — 
Upon your reputation, think better; 
For four mile's riding ' 
Could not have rais'd so huge an appetite 
As I feel gnawing on me. 

Mar. [l. h.] Whether you ride, 
Or go afoot, you're that way still provided, 
An't please your worship. 

Sir G. How now, sirrah? prating 
Before my lord! no difference! Go to my nephew, 
See all his debts discharg'd, and help his worship 
To fit on his rich suit. [crosses to Lovell 

Mar. I may fit you too, [Exit Marall, l. h. d. 

Lov. I have writ this morning 
A few lines to my mistress, your fair daughter. 

Sir G. 'Twill fire her; for she's wholly yours already. 
Sweet master A 11 worth, take my ring; 'twill carry you 
To her presence, I dare warrant you; and there plead 
For my good lord, if you should find occasion. 
That done, pray, ride to Nottingham, get a license, 
Still by this token. — [to Lov.] I will have'tdespatch'd, 
And suddenly, my lord, that I may say, 
My honourable, nay, right honourable daughter. 

Gree. [stopping Allworth, who is crossing to- 
wards l. h. p.] Take my advice, young gentleman; 

get your breakfast; 
'Tis unwholesome to ride fasting: I'll eat with you, 
And that abundantly. 

Sir G. Some Fury's in that gut: 
Hungry again ! did you not devour this morning 
A shield of brawn, and a barrel of Colchester oysters ? 



56 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Gree. Why, that was sir, only to scour my stomach, 
A kind of a preparative. 

Lov. Haste your return. 

Allw. I will not fail, my lord. [Exit Jlllw. l. h. d. 

Gree. Nor I, to line 
My Christmas coffer. [Exit Greedy, l. h. d. 

Sir G. To my wish; [they sit] we're private. 
I come not to make offer with my daughter 
A certain portion; that were poor and trivial: 
In one word I pronounce, all that is mine, 
In lands or leases, ready coin or goods, 
With her, my lord, comes to you: nor shall you have 
One motive to induce you to believe 
I live too long; since every year I'll add 
Something unto the heap, which shall be yours too. 

Lov. You are a right kind father. 

Sir G. You shall have reason 
To think me such. 

How do you like this seat of Lady Allworth's ? 
It is well wooded and well water'd, the acres 
Fertile and rich; would it not serve, for change, 
To entertain your friends in a summer progress? 
What thinks my noble lord? 

Lov. 'Tis a wholesome air, 
And well-built pile : and she that's mistress of it, 
Worthy the large revenue. 

Sir G. She the mistress ! 
It may be so for a time ; but, let my lord 
Say only that he but like it, and would have it, 
I say, ere long 'tis his. 

Lov. Impossible! 

Sir G. You do conclude too fast, not knowing me, 
Nor the engines that I work by. 'Tis not alone 
The Lady Allworth's lands; — for those, once Well- 

born's, 
As, by her dotage on him, I know they will be, 
Shall soon be mine; — but point out any man's 
In all the shire, and say they lie convenient 
And useful for your lordship, and once more 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 51 

I say aloud, they're yours. U he y ***** 

Lov. I dare not own 
What's by unjust and cruel means extorted : 
My fame and credit are more dear to me, 
Than thus to expose 'em to be censur'd by 
The public voice. 

Sir G. You run, my lord, no hazard. 
Your reputation shall still stand as fair 
In all good men's opinions, as now: 
For, though I do contemn report myself, 
As a mere sound, I still will be so tender 
Of what concerns you, in all points of honour, 
That the immaculate whiteness of your fame, 
Shall ne'er be sullied with one taint or spot. 
All my ambition is, to have my daughter 
Right honourable, which my lord can make her : 
And, might I live to dance upon my knee 
A young Lord Lovell, born by her unto you, 
I write nil ultra to my proudest hopes. 

Lov. Are you not mov'd by the sad imprecations 
And curses of whole families, made wretched 
By your sinister practices ? 

Sir G. Yes, as rocks are, 
When foamy billows split themselves against 
Their flinty ribs; or as the moon is mov'd, 
When wolves, with hunger pin'd, howl at her bright- 
ness. 
I'm of a solid temper, and, like these, 
Steer on a constant course. 

Nay, when my ears are pierc'd with widow's cries, 
And undone orphans wash with tears my threshold, 
I only think what 'tis to have my daughter 
Right honourable ; and 'tis a powerful charm 
Makes me insensible of remorse, or pity, 
Or the least sting of conscience. 

Lov. I admire 
The toughness of your nature. 

Sir G. 'Tis for you, 
My lord, and for my daughter, I am marble ; 
Nay more, if you will have my character 



58 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

In little, I enjoy more true delight 

In my arrival to my wealth these dark 

And crooked ways, than you shall e'er take pleasure 

In spending what my industry hath compass'd. 

My haste commands me hence; in one word, therefore, 

Is it a match, my lord ? 

Lov. I hope that is past doubt now. 

Sir G. Then rest secure; not the hate of all mankind 
here, 
Nor fear of what can fall on me hereafter, 
Shall make me study aught but your advancement 
One story higher: an earl ! if gold can do it. 
Doubt not my honour, nor my faith to you ; 
Though I am borne thus headlong by my will, 
You may make choice of what belief you please, 
To me 'tis equal ; so, my lord, good morrow. 

[Exit Sir Giles, l. h. d. 

*Lov. He's gone: I wonder how the earth can bear 
him ! 
I, that have liv'd a soldier, 

And stood the enemy's violent charge undaunted, 
To hear this horrid monster, am all bath'd 
In a cold sweat; yet, like a mountain, he 
Is no more shaken, than Olympus is 
When angry Boreas loads his double head 
With sudden drifts of snow. 

Enter Lady Allworth, through m. v., advances r. h. 

Lady. Save you, my lord I 
Disturb I not your privacy ? 

Lov. No, good madam ; 
For your own sake, I'm glad you came no sooner: 
Since this bold, bad man, Sir Giles Overreach, 
Made such a plain discovery of himself, 
And read this morning such a devilish matins, 
That I should think it a sin next to his 
But to repeat it. 

Lady. 1 ne'er press'd, my lord, 
On others' privacy; yet, against my will, 

• The remainder of this Scene is omitted; then Lovell exit a. h. 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 59 

Walking for health's sake, in the gallery here, 

I was made, 

So loud and vehement he was, partaker 

Of his tempting offers. 

But, my good lord, if I may use my freedom, 

As to an honour'd friend, 

Lov. You lessen else 
Your favour to me. 

Lady. I dare, then, say thus : 
However common men 
Make sordid wealth the object and sole end 
Of their industrious aims, 'twill not agree 
With those of noble blood, of fame, and honour. 

Lov. Madam, 'tis confess'd; 
But what infer you from it ? 

Lady. This, my lord ; 
I allow the heir of Sir Giles Overreach, Margaret, 
A maid well qualified, and the richest match 
Our north part can boast of; yet she cannot, 
With all that she brings with her, stop their mouths 
That never will forget who was her father ; 
You may conceive the rest. 
Lov. I do, good madam, 
And long since have consider'd it. 
And 'tis my resolution, ne'er to wed 
With the rich Margaret, Overreach's daughter. 

Lady. Why then, my lord, pretend you marriage 

to her ? 
Lov. I make answer, 
And aptly, with a question. Wherefore have you, 
That, since your husband's death, have liv'd a strict 
And chaste nun's life, on the sudden given yourself 
To visits and entertainments? Think you, madam, 
Tis not grown public conference; or the favours 
Which you so prodigally have thrown on Wellborn, 
Incur not censure ? 

Lady. Pm innocent here ; and, on my life, I swear, 
My ends are good. 

Ijov. So, on my soul, are mine 



60 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

To Margaret: 

And, since this friendly privacy does serve 

As a fair offer'd means unto Ourselves 

To search each other further, — you having shown 

Your care of me, I, my respect to you, — 

Deny me not, I dare not yet say more, 

An afternoon's discourse. 

Lady. Affected coyness might deny your suit; 
But, such your honour, frankness shall become me, 
And bid my tongue avow my honest heart: 
I shall attend your lordship. 

Lov. My heart thanks you. 
[Exeunt Lovell, r. u. Lady Jlllworth through m. i>. 

Scene II. — A Village. 
Enter Froth, and Tapwell, from the house, u. e. l. h. 

Tap. Undone, undone! This was your counsel, 
Froth. 

Froth. Mine ! I defy thee: did not master Marall, — 
He has mar'd all, I am sure,— strictly command us, 
On pain of Sir Giles Overreach's displeasure, 
To turn the gentleman out of doors? 

Tap. 'Tis true : 
But now, he's his uncle's darling; and has got 
Master Justice Greedy, since he fill'd his belly, 
At his commandment to do any thing. 
Wo, wo to us ! 

Froth. He may prove merciful. 

Tap. Troth, we do not deserve it at his hands. 

Froth. Then, he knows all the passages of our house ; 
As the receiving of stolen goods, and so forth. 
When he was rogue W T ellborn, no man would believe 

him; 
And then his information could not hurt us : 
But, now he is right worshipful again, 
Who dares but doubt his testimony? 

Tap. Undone, undone ! Methinks 
I see thee, Froth, already in a cart; 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. V 

And my hand hissing, 

If I 'scape the halter, with the letter K 

Printed upon it. 

Froth. Would that were the worst ! 
That were but nine days' wonder. As for credit, 
We've none to lose; but we shall lose his custom: 
There's the devil on't. , 

Tap. He has summoned all his creditors by the drum ; 
Tis said, he has found such a new way 
To pay his old debts, as, 'tis very likely, 
He shall be chronicled for it. 

Froth. But are you sure his worship 
Comes this way to my lady's?— [drum,— and cry 
without, l. n.— Brave master Wellborn!] 

Taj). Hark, I hear him. 

Froth. Be ready with your petition, and present it 
To his good grace. [drum,— and cry again 

Filter Greedy, Wellborn in a rich habit, Marall, 
— Vintner, Tailor, with other Creditors,— Order, 
Furnace, and Amble, l. h. u. e.— Tap well and 
Fuotji, kn.ae.ling> deliver a petition. 

Well. How's this? petition'd too ! 
But note what miracles the payment of 
A little trash, and a rich suit of clothes, 
Can work upon these rascals. I shall be, 
I think, Prince Wellborn. 

Mar. When your worship's married, 
You may be — I know; what I hope to see you. 

Well. Then look thou for advancement. 

Mar. To be known 
Your worship's bailiff, is the mark I shoot at. 

Well. And thou shalt hit it. 

Mar. Pray you, sir, despatch 
These needy followers: and for my admittance, 
\ Tapwell and Froth flattering Justice Greedy, r. h. 
Provided you'll defend me from Sir Giles, 
Whose service I am weary of, I'll say something 
You shall give thanks for. 



62 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS, 

Well. Fear not Sir Giles. 

Gree. [advancing, Tap. and Froth on his r. h.] 
Who ? Tapwell — I remember ! thy wife 
brought me, 
Last new year's tide, a couple of fat turkies. 

Tap. And shall do, every Christmas, let your wor- 
ship 
But stand my friend now. 

Gree. How! with master Wellborn ? 
I can do any thing with him, on such terms. — 
See you this honest couple? [to Well.'] They're good 

souls 
As ever drew out spigot. Have they not 
A pair of honest faces? 

Well. I o'erheard you, 
And the bribe he promis'd. You are cozen'd in 'em ; 
For, of all the scum that grew rich by my riots, 
This, for a most unthankful knave, and this, 
For a base quean and thief, have worst deserv'd me ; 
And therefore speak not for them. By your place, 
You're rather to do me justice. — Lend me your #ar: — 
Forget his turkies, and call in his license, 
And every season I will send you venison, 
To feast a mayor and corporation. 

Gree. I'm chang'd o' the sudden in my opinion. 
Mum. — 
Come near; [to Tap. and Froth] nearer, rascal ! 
And, now I view him better, did you e'er see 
One look so like an arch knave? his very countenance, 
Should an understanding Judge but look upon him, 
Would hang him, though he were innocent. 

Tap. and Froth. Worshipful sir, — 

Gree. No; though the great Turk came, instead of 
turkies, 
To beg my favour, I'm inexorable. 
Thou'st an ill name : I here do damn thy license, 
Forbidding thee ever to tap or draw ; 
For instantly I will in my own person, 
Command the constable to pull down thy sign, 



63 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

And do't before I eat. 
Froth. No mercy ? 

If Show any! S rVa7my promised venison choke me ! 

Tap. Unthankful knaves are ever so rewarded. 

[Exeunt Tapwelland Froth into the house, , l. h. 

Well. On, master Greedy: I'll be with you at dinner. 

Gree. For heaven's sake, don't stay long; 
'Tie almost ready. [Exit Greedy, r. h. 

Well. Speak : what are you ? 

Vint. A decay'd vintner, sir, u ™h» 

That might have thriv'd, but that your worship broke 

With trusting you with muscadine and eggs, 
And five-pound suppers, with your after-dnnkings, 
When you lodg'd upon the Bankside. 
Well. I remember. 

Vint. I've not been hasty, nor e'er laid to arrest you ; 
And therefore* sir,— 

Well. Thmi art an honest fellow : 
I'll set thee up again: [to Mar.]— see his bill paid.— 
What are you? 

Tai. A tailor once, but now mere botcher. 
I long time gave you credit for rich clothes : 
But, you failing in payment, 
I was remov'd from the shop-board, and confin d 
Under a stall. 

Well See him paid:— [to Mar.]— and botch no 

more. — 
Tai. I ask no interest, sir. 
Well. Such tailors need not ; 
If their bills are paid in one and twenty years, 
They're seldom losers. — See these men discharg'd. 

[Marall settles with the. creditors 
And, since old debts are clear'd by a new way, 
A littte bounty will not misbecome me : 
There's something for you all. 

[gives money to all the serv- 



64 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

%dll the Creditors. Brave master Wellborn ! 
[Exeunt, creditors severally, l. h. u. e. who shout: 

and drum beats. 

Well. Leave me, good friends: attend upon your lady. 
[Exeunt Amble, Furnace, and Order, l. h. u. e. 
Now, master Marall, what's the weighty secret 
You promis'd to impart? 

Mar. Sir, time nor place 
Allow me to relate each circumstance; 
This only, in a word: — I know, Sir Giles 
Will come upon you for security 
For all the money which he now has lent you; 
This you must not consent to : 
As he grows in heat, as I am sure he will, 
Be you but rough, and say, he's in your debt 
Ten times the sum, upon sale of your land : 
Pd a hand in't, I speak it to my shame, 
When you were defeated of it. 

Well. That's forgiven. ^ 

Mar. I shall deserve it : — Then urge Ann to product 
The deed in which you pass'd it over to him ; 
Which, I know, he'll have about him, to deliver 
To the Lord Lovell. — I'll instruct you further, 
As I wait on your worship. If I play not my prize 
To your full content, and your uncle's much vexation, 
Hang up Jack Marall. 

Well. I rely upon thee. [Exeunt, r. h. 

Scene III. — •# Room in Sir Giles' House. — Table, 
chairs, pen, ink and paper. 

Enter Margaret, with a Letter in her Hand, and 
Allworth, r. h. 

Jillw. Whether to yield the first praise to my lord'? 
Unequall'd temperance, or your constant sweetness, 
I yet rest doubtful. 

Marg. Give it to Lord Lovell ; 
For what in him was bounty, in me's duty. 
I make but payment of a debt to which 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

My vows, in that high office registered, 
Are faithful witnesses. 

AIlw. 'Tis true, my dearest ; 
Yet, — when I call to mind how many fair ones 
Make wilful shipwreck of their faiths and oaths, 
To fill the arms of greatness ; 
While you, with matchless virtue, thus hold out, 
Spurning at honour, when it comes to court you, — 
I am so tender of your good, that faintly 
I wish myself that right; you're pleas'd to do me. 

Marg. To me what's title, when content is wanting- 
Or the smooth brow, and wealth, 
Of a pleas'd sire that slaves me to his will; — 
And, so his vain ambition may be feasted 
By my obedience, and he see me great, 
Leaves to my soul nor faculties nor power 
To make her own election ? 

Jillw. But the dangers 
That follow the repulse, — 

Marg. To me they're nothing: 
Let Allworth love, I cannot be unhappy. 
Suppose the worst, — that, in his rage, he kill me, — 
A tear or two, by you dropt on my hearse, 
In sorrow for my fate, will call back life 
So far as but to say, that I die yours; 
I then shall rest in peace. 

Allw. Heaven avert 
Such trials of your true affection to me ! 
Nor vvill it unto you, that are all mercy, 
Show so much rigour. But since we must run 
Such desperate hazards, let us do our best 
To steer between 'em. 

Marg, Lord Lovell is our friend ; 
And, though but a young actor, second me 
In doing to the life what he has plotted. 

Enter Sir Giles, r. h. s. e. 

The end may yet prove happy.— [tf«7/e] — Now, my 
Allworth. 
f 2 



66 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Jlllw. [aside] To your letter, and put on a seeming 
anger. 

Marg. I'll pay my lord all debts due to his title: 
And, when with terms not taking from his honoiu 
He does solicit me, I shall gladly hear him ; 
But, in this peremptory, nay, commanding way. 
To fix a time and place, without my knowledge, 
A priest to tie the knot can ne'er be undone 
Till death unloose it, is a confidence 
In his lordship will deceive him. [crosses to a. h. 

Alho. I hope better, good lady. 

Marg. Hope, sir, what you please ; for me, 
I must take a safe and secure course: I have 
A father, and without his full consent, 
Though all lords of the land kneel'd for my favour, 
I can grant nothing [crosses to l. h. 

Sir G. [aside, near the centre'] I like this obedi- 
ence: 
But whatsoe'er my lord writes, must and shall be 
Accepted and embrac'd. — [Sir G. advances to centre] 
Sweet master Allw^rth, 

You show yourself a true and faithful servant 
To your good lord : he has a jewel of you. 
How! frowning, Meg? Are these looks to receive 
A messenger from my lord? What's this? give me it 

Marg. A piece of arrogant, paper! [Sir Giles reads. 

Fair mistress, from your servant learn, all joys 
That we can hope for, if deferr'd, prove toys; 
Therefore this instant, and in private meet 
A husband that will gladly at your feet 
Lay down his honours, tendering them to you 
With all content, the church being- paid her due. 

Sir G. Is this the arrogant piece of paper? fool ! 
Will you still be one ? P the name of madness, what 
Could his good honour write more to content you ? 
is there aught else to be wish'd, after these two 
That are already offer'd? Marriage first, 
And lawful pleasure after: — What would you more.' 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 67 

Marg. Why, sir, I would be married like your 
daughter; 
Not hurried away i' the night I know not whither, 
Without all ceremony ; no friends invited, 
To honour the solemnity, 

Jillw. An't please your honour. 
For so before to-morrow I must style you, 
My lord desires this privacy, in respect 
His honourable kinsmen are far off, 
And his desires to have it done, brook not 
So long delay as to expect their coming; 
And yet, he stands resolv'd, with all due pomp 
To have his marriage at court celebrated, 
When he has brought your honour up to London. 

Sir G. He tells you true; 'tis the fashion on my 
knowledge: 
Yet the good lord, to please your peevishness, 
Must put it off, forsooth ! 

Marg. I could be contented, 
Were you but by, to do a father's part, 
And give me in the church. 

Sir G. So my lord have you, 
What do I care who gives you? Since my lord 
Does purpose to be private, I'll not cross him. 
I know not, master Allworth, how my lord 
May be provided, and therefore there's a purse 
Of gold : 'twill serve this night's expense ; to-morrow 
I'll furnish him with any sums. 
Use my ring to my chaplain; he is benefic'd 
At my manor of Got'em, and call'd Parson Willdo : 
; Tis no matter for a license; I'll bear him out in't 

Marg. With your favour, sir,— what warrant is 
your ring? 
He may suppose I got that twenty ways, 
Without your knowledge; and, then to be refus'd 
Were such a stain upon me! — If you pleas'd, sir, 
Your presence would do better. 

Sir G. Still perverse! 
1 say again I will not cross my lord: 



68 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Yet I'll prevent you too. — Paper and ink there. 

Jillw. Sir, 'tis ready here. 

Sir G. I thank you. — I can write then to my chap- 
Jain. — [Sir Giles sits down and writes. 

JIllw. Sir, sir, — 
You may, if you please, leave out the name of my lord, 
In respect he would be private, and only write, — 
Marry her to this gentleman. 

Sir G. Well advis'd— 
Tis done. — Away ! — 

[gives Allworth the paper, — Margaret kneels. 
My blessing? Girl, thou hast it: 
Nay, no reply. — Begone, good master Allworth: — 
This shall be the best night's work you ever made. 

dllw. I hope so, sir. 

[Exeunt Margaret and Allworth. l. h. 

Sir G. Now all's cock-sure. — 
Methinks I hear already knights and ladies 
Say, Sir Giles Overreach, how is it with 
Your honourable daughter? — 

My ends, my ends are compass'd ! — Then, for Well- 
born 
And the lands, — were he once married to the widow, — 
1 have him here. — I can scarce contain myself, 
I am so full of joy; nay, joy all over! [Exit r. h. 



END OF ACT IV. 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 69 

ACT V. 

Scene L— The Hall in Lady Allworth's House.— 
Screen on r. h. sofa and table l. h. 

Enter Lovell, and Lady Allworth, r. h. 

Lady. By this you know how strong the motives 
were, 
That did, my lord, induce me to dispense 
A little with my gravity, to advance 
The plots and projects of the down-trod Wellborn. 

Lov. What you intended, madam, 
For the poor gentleman, hath found good success; 
For, as I understand, his debts are paid, » 
And he once more furnish'd for fair employment ; 
But all the arts that I have us'd, to raise 
The fortunes of your joy and mine, young Allworth, 
Stand yet in supposition: though I hope well; 
For the young lovers are in wit more pregnant 
Than their years can promise. 

Lady. Though my wishes 
Are with yours, my lord: yet give me leave to fear 
The building, though well-grounded. To deceive 
Sir Giles, that's both a lion and a fox 
In his proceedings, were a work beyond 
The strongest undertakers; not the trial 
Of two weak innocents. 

Lov. Despair not, madam: 
Hard things are compass'd oft by easy means. 
The cunning statesman, that believes, he fathoms 
The counsels of all kingdoms on earth, 
Is by simplicity oft over-reachM. 

Lady. May he be so ! — 
The young ones have my warmest wishes with them. 

Lov. 0, gentle lady, prove as kind to me ! 
You've deign'd to hear, now grant my honest suit : 
And, if you may be won to make me happy, 
But join your hand to mine, and that shall be 



70 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

A solemn contract. 

Lady. I were blind to my own good, 
Should I refuse it; yet, my lord, receive me 
As such a one, the study of whose whole life 
Shall know no other object but to please you. 

Lov. If I return not, with all tenderness, 
Equal respect to you, may I die wretched ! 

Lady. There needs no protestation, my lord, 
To her that cannot doubt. — 

Enter Wellborn, l. h. 

You're welcome, sir : 

Now you look like yourself [crosses to Wellborn 

Well. And will continue 
Such, in n% free acknowledgment that I am 
Your creature, madam, — and will never hold 
My life mine own, when you please to command it. 

Lov. It is a thankfulness that well becomes you. 

Lady. For me, I am happy, 
That my endeavours prosper'd. — Saw you of late 
Sir Giles, your uncle ? 

Well. I heard of him, madam, 
By his minister, Marall. He's grown into strange 

passions 
About his daughter : this last night, he look'd for 
Your lordship at his home; but, missing you, 
And Margaret not appearing, he is coming 
To seek her here at Lady Allworth's house. 
His wise head is much perplex'd and troubled. 

Lov. I hope my project took. 

Lady. I strongly hope it. 

[Sir Giles and Marall without, l. h. 

Sir G. [without] Hal find my daughter, thou huge 
lump of nothing, 
I'll bore thine eyes out else. 

Well. May it please your lordship, [crosses to Lov. 
For some ends of mine own, but to withdraw 
A little out of sight, though not out of hearing, 
You may, perhaps, have sport. 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 



7 I 



Lnv You shall direct me. , ~ 

[Exit Lovell behind screen and off. 
Sir G. [withouf] Ideot! booby! booby! 
Mar. [without] 0, 0, 0,~- 
Sir G. [without] I shall sol-fa you, rogue . 
Mar. [without] Sir, for what cause 
Do you use me thus ? 

Enter Sir Giles with distracted looks, driving in 
Marall before him, l. h. 
Sir G. Cause, slave? Why, I am angry, 
And thou a subject only fit for beating. 
And so to cool my choler. Look to the writing . 
Let but the seal be broke upon the box 
That has slept in my cabinet these three years, 
I'll rack thy soul for't. 

Mar. [aside] I may yet cry quittance : 
Thouo-h now I suffer, and dare not resist. 

Sir G. Lady, by your leave : did you see my daugh- 
ter, lady? . 5 
And the lord her husband? Are they in your house ? 
If they are, discover, that I may bid 'em joy; 
And, as an entrance to her place of honour, 
See you, on her left hand, bending down low, 
When she nods on you; which you must receive 
As a special favour. 

Lady. When I know, Sir Giles, 
Her state requires such ceremony, I shall pay it ; 
Hut, in the meantime, 
I give you to understand, I neither know 
Nor care where her honour is. 

Sir G. When you once see her 
Led and supported by the lord her husband, 
You'll be taught better, [crosses to Wellborn]— -Ne- 
phew, — 
Well. Well ? 
Sir G. No more! 
Well. 'Tis all I owe you. 



72 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

Made you thus insolent? 

Well. Insolent to you ! 
Why, what are you, sir, pray, unless in years, 
More than myself? 

Sir G. His fortune swells him ; — 
'Tis rank, — he's married. [crosses to l. h. 

Lady, [aside] This is excellent ! 

Sir G. Sir, in calm language, though I seldom use it, 
[crosses to centre, Lady Jillworth on l. h. 
I am familiar with the cause that makes you 
Bear up thus bravely; there's a certain buz 
Of a stolen marriage, — do you hear? — of a stolen 

marriage; 
In which, 'tis said, there's somebody hath been cozen'd ; 
I name no parties. 

Well, Well, sir, and what follows ? 

[Lady Jillworth turns away. 

Sir G. Marry this, since you are so peremptory : re- 
member, 
Upon mere hope of your great match, I lent you 
Some certain monies ; put me in good security, 
And suddenly, by mortgage ur by statute, 
Of some of your new possessions, or I'll have you 
Dragg'd in your lavender robes to the jail ; you know 

me, 
And therefore do not trifle. 

Well. Can you be 
So cruel to your nephew, Now he's in 
The way to rise ? Was this the courtesy 
You did me, in pure love, and no ends else ? 

Sir G. End me no ends! Engage the whole estate, 
And force your spouse to sign it; you shall have 
Three or four thousand more, to roar and swagger, 
And revel in drunken taverns. 

Well. And beg after — 
Mean you not so ? 

Sir G. My thoughts are mine, and free. 
Shall I have security ? 

Well. No, indeed, you shall not : 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 73 

Nor bond, nor bill, nor bare acknowledgment.— 
Your great looks fright not me. ^ 

SirG. But my deeds shall.— [they both draw 

Lady. Help, murder! murder! 

Enter Amble, Watchall and Order, with drawn 
swords, R. H. s. E. 

Sir G. Outbrav'd! 

Well. Let him come on, 
Arm'd with his cut-throat practices to guard him, 
With all his wrongs and injuries about him, 
The right that I bring with me will defend me, 
And punish his extortion. 

Sir G. That I had thee 
But single in the field! 

Lady. You may; but make not 
My house your quarrelling scene. 

Sir G. Where't in a church, 
By heaven and hell, I'll do't. 

[Lady Mlworth turns away 

Mar. [to Wellborn'] Now, put him to 
The showing of the deed, 

Well. This rage is vain, sir: 
For fighting, fear not, you shall have your hands full 
Upon the least incitement; and, — whereas 
You charge me with a debt of monies to you, — 
If there be law, howe'er you have no conscience, 
Either restore my land, or I'll recover 
A debt, that's truly due to me from you, 
In value ten times more than what you challenge. 

Sir G. I in thy debt? impudence! did I not pur- 
chase 
The land left by thy father, that rich land 
That had continued in Wellborn's name 

Enter two of Sir Giles' servants with a box, l. h. 

Twenty descents, which, like a riotous fool, 

Thou didst make sale of? — 0, you're come at last. 

Is not here inclos'd 



74 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 

The deed that does confirm it mine? " 

Mar. Now, now — [Lady Mlworth advances 

Well. I do acknowledge none; I ne'er pass'd o'er 
Any such land; I grant for a year or two, 
You had it in trust; which if you do discharge, 
Surrendering the possession, you shall ease 
Yourself and me of chargeable suits in law; 
Which, if you prove not honest, as I doubt it, 
Must of necessity follow. 

Lady. In my judgment, 
He does advise you well. 

Sir G. Good, good! Conspire 
With your new husband, lady: second him 
In his dishonest practices: But when 
This manor is extended to my use, 
Y'ou'Jl speak in a humbler key, and sue for favour. 

Lady. Never; do not hope it. 

Well. Let despair first seize me. 

Sir G. Yet, to shut up thy mouth, and make thee 
give 
Thyself the lie, the loud lie, I draw out 
The precious evidence; if thou canst forswear 
Thy hand and seal, and make a forfeit of 
Thy ears to the pillory, — 

[Sir Giles unlocks the box, and takes out the deed. 
See ! — here's that will make 
My interest clear. Ha ! 

Lady. A fair skin of parchment! 

Well. Indented, I confess, and lables too; 
But neither wax, nor words. How? thunder-struck! 
Is this your precious evidence ? this, that makes 
Your interest clear ? 

Sir G. I am o'erwhelm'd with wonder ! 
What prodigy is this? what subtle devil 
Hath raz'd out the inscription? the wax 
Turn'd into dust! — 
Do you deal with witches, rascal? 
There is a statute for you, which will bring 
Your neck in a hempen circle ; yes there is; — 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 75 

And, now 'tis better thought, for, cheater, know, 
This juggling shall not save you. 

Well. To save thee, 
Would beggar the stock of mercy. 

[retires with Lady Allworth up the stage. 

Sir. G. Marall,— Marall,— Marall! 

Mar. Sir? .. 

Sir G. Though the witnesses are dead, your testi- 
mony 
Help with an oath or two; and, for thy master, 
Thy liberal master, my good honest servant, 
I know, thou wilt swear any thing, to dash 
This cunning sleight; 
The deed being drawn too 
By thee, my careful Marall, and deliver'd 
When thou wast present, will make good my title: — 
Wilt thou not swear this ? 

Mar. I! — No, I assure you. — 
[Marall runs away to r. h. pursued by Sir Giles, 

but the servants oppose his passage with drawn 

swords.~\ 
I have a conscience, not sear 7 d up like yours ; 
I know no deeds. 

Sir G. Wilt thou betray me ? [drawing his sword 

Mar. Keep him [Wellborn opposes him 

From using of his hands, I'll use my tongue 
To his no little torment. 

Sir G. Mine own varlet 
Rebel against me! 

Mar. Yes, and uncase you too. 
The idiot, the patch, the slave, the booby, 
Your drudge can now anatomize you, and lay open 
All your black plots, and level with the earth 
Your hill of pride; and shake, 
Nay pulverize, the walls you think defend you. 

Sir G. 0, that I had thee in my gripe ! I'd tear thee 
Joint after joint. 

Mar. I know you are a tearer; 
But I'll have first your fangs par'd off, and then 



76 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 






Come nearer to you; when I have discover'd, 
And made it good before the judge, what ways, 
And devilish practices, you us'd to cozen with. 

Well. All will come out. 

Sir G. But that I will live, rogue, to torture thee, 
And make thee wish, and kneel, in vain, to die ; 
These swords that keep thee from me, should fix here, 
Although they made my body but one wound, 
But I would reach thee. I play the fool, 
And make my anger but ridiculous: 
There will be a time and place, there will be, coward, 
When you shall feel what I dare do. 

Well I think so: 
You dare do any ill: yet want true valour, 
To be honest, and repent 

Sir G. They're words I know not, 
Nor e'er will learn. Patience, the beggar's virtue, 
Shall find no harbour here. 
After these storms, 
At length a calm appears. — My chaplain comes. — 

Enter Parson Willdo ; %vith a T.ette** in hi$ hand, 

L. H. 

[Lovell appears behind screen. 
Welcome, most welcome! 

There's comfort in thy looks ! — Is the deed done? 
Is my daughter married? Say but so, my chaplain, 
And I am tame. 

Will. Married? Yes, I assure you. 

Sir G. Then vanish all sad thoughts ! 
My doubts and fears are in the titles drown'd 
Of my honourable, my right honourable daughter. 
Now, you that plot against me, 
And hop'd to trip my heels up, that eontemn'd me, 
Think ©n't and tremble. [music l. h. 

Enter Lovell behind, r. h. u. e. 

They come ! — I hear the musics — 
A lane there for my lord: — 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 77 

Well. This sudden heat 
May yet be cool'd, sir. 

Sir G. Make way there for my lady and my lord. 

[music 

Enter two servants of Sir Giles, Margaret and 
Allworth, l. h. 

Marg. [kneels] Sir, first your pardon, then your 
blessing, with 
Your full allowance of the choice I've made. — 
Not to dwell 
Too long on words, this is my husband. 

Sir G. How! 

Jlllw* So, I assure you: all the rites of marriage, 
With every circumstance, are past: 
And, for right honourable son-in-law, you may say, * 
Your dutiful daughter. 

Sir G. Devil ! — Are they married? 

Will. Do a father's part, and say, Heaven give 'em 

joy - f 

Sir G. Confusion and ruin! Speak, and speak 
quickly, 
Or thou art dead. [crosses l. h. seizes Willdo 

Will. They're married. 

Sir G. Thou hadst better 
Have made a contract with the king of fiends, 
Than these. My brain turns! 

Will. Why this rage to me? — 
Is not this your letter, sir? and these the words, — 
Marry her to this gentleman ? 

Sir G. It cannot; [crosses to l. h. of Willdo 

Nor will I e'er believe it, 'sdeath! I will not, 
That I, who never left a print 
Where I have trod, for the most curious search 
To trace my footsteps, should be gull'd by children! 
Baffled and fool'd, and all my hopes and labours 
Defeated, and made void. 

Well. As it appears, 
You are so, my grave uncle. [Willdo retires, l. h. 



8 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 



Sir G. Village nurses 
Revenge their wrongs with curses; I'll not waste 
A syllable; but thus I take the life 
Which, wretched, I gave to thee. 
[offers to kill Margaret — Mlworth and Margaret 

cross behind to r. h.] * 

Lov. [stoppi?ig him] Hold, for your own sake ! 
If charity to your daughter have quite left you; 
Will you do an act, though in your hopes lost here, 
Can leave no hope for peace or rest hereafter? 
Consider, at the best you're but a man; 
And cannot so create your aims, but that 
They may be cross'd. 

Sir G. Lord ! thus I spit at thee, 
And at thy counsel; and again desire thee, — 
And as thou art a soldier, — if thy valour 
Dares show itself where multitude and example 
Lead not the way, let's quit the house, and change 
Six words in private. 

Lov. I am ready. 

Lady. [on the r. h. of Lovell] Stay, sir: 
Contest with one distracted ? 

Well. You'll grow like him, 
Should you answer his vain challenge. 

Sir G. Are you pale? 
Borrow their helps; though Hercules call it odds, 
I'll stand 'gainst all, as I am, hemm'd in thus. — 
Say there were a squadron 

Of pikes, lin'd through with shot, when I am mounted 
Upon my injuries, shall I fear to charge 'em? 
No: I'll through the battalia, and, that routed, 
I'll fall to execution.— 

[crosses to centre — attempts to draw his sword 
Ha! I'm feeble: 

Some undone widow sits upon mine arm, 
And takes away the use of 't; and my sword, 
Glued to my scabbard with wrong'd orphans' tears, 
Will not be drawn. — 
Ha! what are these? Sure, hangmen 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 79 

That come to bind my hands, and then to drag me 
Befor/the judgment-seat— Now, they are new shapes, 
And do appear like Furies, with steel whips 
To scourge my ulcerous soul. Shall I then fall 
Ingloriously, and yield? No; spite of fate, 
I will be forc'd to hell like to myself; 
Though you were legions of accursed spirits, 

Thus would I fly among you. 

[He rushes madly towards his daughter, and falls 
senseless; the servants raise him up, and carry him 

off, L. H.] 

Well. What arts didst use to rase out the convey- 
ance? 

Mar, Certain minerals, 
Incorporated in the ink and wax. 
Besides he gave me nothing; but still fed me 
With hopes and blows. 
If it please your worship 

To call to memory, this mad beast once caus'd me 
To urge you or to hang, or drown, yourself: 
J'll do the like to him, if you command me. 

Well, You are a rascal; and he that dares be false 
To a master, though unjust, will very hardly 
Be true to any other. Begone. [Exit Marall, r. h. 
[JLllworth and Margaret advance. ] 

Marg. O, my poor father ! 

Allw. Nay, weep not, dearest; — though it show 
your piety, 
What is decreed by heaven, we cannot alter. 

Lov. And heaven here gives a precedent to teach us, 
That, when men leave religion, and turn atheists, 
Their own abilities leave them.— Pray you, take com- 
fort ; [to Margaret 
I will endeavour, you shall be his guardians 
In his distractions; — And for your land, Wellborn, 
I'll be an umpire 

Between you and this the undoubted heir 
Of Sir Giles Overreach: — For me, here's the anchor 
1 1 must fix on. [to Lady Jillworth 



80 



A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 



Well Nothing then [to the audic 

Ncfcv wants but your allowance ; — and in that 
Our all is comprehended ; which if you 
Grant willingly, as a fair favour due 
To the poet's, and our labours, as you may ; 
For we despair not gentlemen, of the play: — 
You may expect, the grace you show to-night, 
Will teach us how to act, our poets how to write. 



Disposition of characters when the curtain falls. 



fillBOBN. 




FINIS 




R. H. 



CURTAIN. 



L. H. 



V 



As a mirsrber of our subscribers are desirous of knowing what 
diar^tenstic engravings will be attached to those plays prepared for 
publication, we subjoin the following list for their information : 



School for Scandal, 

Every One has his Fault, 

I.)er Freyschutz, 

Hypocrite, 

Richard the Third, 

Lovers Vows, 

Hamlet, 

Iron Chest, 

Tom/ and Jerry, 

High Life below Stairs, 

Forty Thieves, 

Brutus, 

Macbeth, 



Mr. Warren ^s Sir Peter Teazle, 

Mr. Jefferson as Solas. 

Mrs. Burke as Bertha. 

Mr. Foote as Dr. Cantwell. 

Mr. Kean as Richard. 

Mrs. Darley as Amelia' 

Mrs. Co well as Ophelia. 

Mr. Lee as Wilford. 

Mr. Roberts as Bob Logic. 

Mr. Thayer as My Lord Duke. 

Mrs. Waring as Morgiana. 

Mr. Booth as Brutus. 

Mr. Macready as Macbeth. 



These portraits are nearly all finished, and exertions will be 
used to procure the following, as soon as possible. 

Mr. Cooper, Mr. Simpson, Mr. and Mrs. Barrett, Mrs. Entwisle, 
Mrs. Gilfert, Mr, and Mrs. Wallack, Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Anderson, 
Mr. Finn, Mr. Kilner, Mrs. Powell, &c. &c. 



As an impression has gone abroad, that the Plays printed in this 
Work are so mutilated as to destroy the Authors' meaning, the 
Proprietors take thi3 opportunity of assuring the public, that all 
the old plays will be printed from books marked as Garrick and 
Kemble had them represented; the new ones, as they are repre- 
sented at Drury Lane and Covent Garden. 



equence of complaints, that in binding, the margin cuts 
y» the Numbers will not, in future, be trimmed in the 



Acting American Theatre already published. 

No. 1. Wild Oats, containing a Portrait of Mr. Francis. 

2.' Much Abo About Nothing, Miss Kelly. 

3. Superstition, Mrs. Dujf. 

4. Old Maib, Mrs. Frascjs. 

5. Marmion, Mb. Diner. 

6- Honey Moon, Mr. Wemyss. 

7. Isabella. Mrs. Barnes 

8. School of Reform, Mr. Hilson. 

9. Turnpike Gate. Mr. Cowell. 



10. Sweethearts and Wites. Mh. Barnes. 

11. Woman Never Vext. Mr. Wood. 

12. Simpson 8c Co. • Mr. Burke. 

13. Pizarro, Mr. Forrest. 

14. New Way to Fay Old Debts. Mrs. Hilson. 



No. XV. 

Will contain a Portrait of Mr. Warren, in the character of Sir 
Peter Teazle, in the School for Scandal. Engraved by Mr. 
Longacre. 

The Portraits of Mr. Warren, Mrs. Darley, Mr. Macready, and 
Mr. BootK, are in the han,ds of the engravers. 



To the Subscribers to this Work. 
The absence of Mr. Wemyss must apologise for any delay that 
may occur in the publication of the ensuing numbers. He has 
made the best arrangements which the short notice would allow, 
and assures the patrons of the work that any deficiency that may 
occur, shal! be made up, on his return, to complete the emission 
of 12 numbers each year. 

THOMAS T. ASH, 

No. 139, Chesnut Street, Philadelphia, 
Has in Press and will publish in two weeks, 
A handsome. edition of EVENINGS AT HOME, by Mrs. BA* 
bauld, and Dr. Aiken, ornamented with 70 copperplate engrav- 
ings. 

LITTLE PLAYS, 

By Maria Edgeworth, publishing from the Manus< 
bellished with 3 handsome engravings, from drawings h . 

TDU5IC ~~ ' 



